Introduction to Nihilism

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Recommended Books on Nihilism:

In this introductory lecture we will look at what nihilism means, its history, and its significance in Western Civilization.
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Nietzsche and Nihilism:
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[sinker]

“After your death you will be what you were before your birth.”

[marcdellorusso]

Much respect to the person responsible for making all these videos. They're very informative and well made.

[Shade-elbm]

They say everybody has two deaths, the one when their heart stops beating, and the 2nd years later when someone speaks your name for the last time

[alfino]

Comment sections don't come much cheerier than this

[BaseCu]

Nihilism isn't all that depressing to me really. It's really just a fundamental fact of the universe, like being depressed about gravity or the speed of light. There's no fixing it, and it's kind of freeing to know that in the end the only thing that will be left is entropy, no matter what anyone does. 

[brandonlovelace]

I had an epiphany not too long ago. I figured out the meaning of life! The meaning of life is to experience it! So it doesn't matter how long or short it it is. It doesn't matter what you accomplish. Take comfort in the fact that you got to be alive!

[SirAntoniousBlock]

I would write something about nihilism but bah! what would be the point?

[thomasdoyle]

Pessimism isn't nihilism, because pessimism is a system of value.

[academyofideas]

For a great overview of nihilism I would recommend The Specter of the Absurd by Donald Crosby. You can find most of Nietzsche's ideas about nihilism in The Will to Power, which is a collection of his notes. Also there are a few sections in Robert Solomon's book From Hegel to Existentialism which offer some great discussions on nihilism.

[academyofideas]

Thanks for the input. These lectures are something I just started doing, so I'm still working on speaking at the optimal pace. It would also help if YouTube increased my time limit above 15 minutes:)

[brownshoeT]

Why would it be depressing if life has no meaning or purpose? I don't find Nihilism depressing at all. Nothing really matters, so why be stressed, unhappy, or angry about anything? Why not just do what you feel is right and have a happy life by making yourself as comfortable as possible? Why not do what you like even if it's seen as weird or unusual? Why get embarrassed about anything when nothing matters? Just take life as it comes and live a carefree life.

[academyofideas]

Thanks for the feedback. I agree I should probably slow down a bit, but slowing down too much would probably not be a good thing.

[scowlsmcjowls]

pure nihilism doesnt even watch videos on nihilism

[Lawh]

Nihilism, like anything else, can be viewed from many perspectives. it always looks a little different depending on where one themselves stand. It doesn't have to be depressing, or even pessimistic. But it can shatter peoples selves since if you stand on something that is suddenly taken away from you, you fall, until you grasp a hold of something else.

[thechaotition]

I have studied nihilistic philosophy, but I'm more of an absurdist. The middle ground between existentialism and nihilism. We cannot live without meaning, yet we are incapable of determining the meaning in the sad reality that surrounds us.

[ThePompousAltmer]

The anime series Monster, really delves deep into the concept and idea of nihilism.

[TheDude_]

This guy should write and narrate a whole book. I'd listen to that audio book all in one sitting.

[scottwheeler]

I used to search for the meaning of life, or something worth living for. Now im older I realise there is nothing. I Have my family and friends, possessions and things I care about. But I will die, whether I want to or not.

[redfootedbear]

THANK YOU FOR PRONOUNCING NIETZSCHE RIGHT

[macccerkiddd]

I don't really understand some peoples view of nihilism. They say knowing nothing matters makes them feel less burdened and gives them energy to create something that does matter. For me I'm apathetic, nihilistic and depressed so I don't see the point in doing something if it doesn't matter anyway, to me that view point is almost a contradiction. Reason I haven't killed myself is plain human instinct encoded in me and possibly curiosity to observe what will happen. Honestly I can't even have relationships of any kind then what I have already established because it just isn't worth the effort, I'm just so numb all the time.