Existential Nihilism Defined Existential nihilism is the philosophy that existence is devoid of purpose. I subscribe to this philosophy because of my past disagreements with religious authorities and because it helps me to cope with personal struggles and emotions. Although nihilism appears depressing at face value, an understanding of its true virtues opens endless possibilities. The Oxford English Dictionary sums up nihilism as ‘the rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless.’ Originally derived from the Latin term, nihil, meaning “nothing,” nihilism is literally the philosophy of nothing. Existential nihilism specifically pertains to the meaninglessness of all human existence when
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After all, there is no point to overcoming struggle, and no inherent value in anything. Well, although there is no valid reason for living, there is also no valid reason for dying. Existential nihilism describes the human experience as a futile struggle to derive significance where none exists as a reaction to fear of dying. Any preconceived notions of purpose, be they religion, occupation, or morality, are simply delusions humans construct and adopt to cope with the harsh reality of mortality. Nihilism’s deep, personal approach requires that the individual destroy existing imposed principles and replace them with his own beliefs, understandings and meaning, brick by brick, with logical and rational reasons behind each one. I must stress, however, that morality still exists within nihilism, albeit subjective. Nihilists are not out in the streets murdering and stealing because all nihilists accept some form of moral standards. Using one’s ability to feel empathy toward others and recognizing the psychological and economic benefits afforded to the individual and society through adherence to laws gives a nihilist a reference point for his ethical standards. Accepting and internalizing nihilism affords unbounded personal expression and liberation from all judgment and
After all, there is no point to overcoming struggle, and no inherent value in anything. Well, although there is no valid reason for living, there is also no valid reason for dying. Existential nihilism describes the human experience as a futile struggle to derive significance where none exists as a reaction to fear of dying. Any preconceived notions of purpose, be they religion, occupation, or morality, are simply delusions humans construct and adopt to cope with the harsh reality of mortality. Nihilism’s deep, personal approach requires that the individual destroy existing imposed principles and replace them with his own beliefs, understandings and meaning, brick by brick, with logical and rational reasons behind each one. I must stress, however, that morality still exists within nihilism, albeit subjective. Nihilists are not out in the streets murdering and stealing because all nihilists accept some form of moral standards. Using one’s ability to feel empathy toward others and recognizing the psychological and economic benefits afforded to the individual and society through adherence to laws gives a nihilist a reference point for his ethical standards. Accepting and internalizing nihilism affords unbounded personal expression and liberation from all judgment and