The End of Man (Part Eight), Nihilism

Nihil is the Latin word for nothing. Nihilism then is the belief in nothing; nihilists are people who believe in nothing.

Nihilists think that life is a great cosmic tragedy. There is nothing good in life: no love, hope, joy, or happiness only pain, darkness, despair, and fear. There is no end to nor point or purpose to life. It is all random and senseless.

But of course this is all speculation about what nihilists think because true nihilists never write anything. True nihilists never get out of bed. What’s the point? If there is no purpose in life and no lasting goodness, why would one waste their time writing? It is pointless. In fact, the only logical thing to do if one is a nihilist is to commit suicide. If life is pain and sensation ends at death, one should kill themselves. So we have writings by so called nihilists and have people who say they are nihilists, but in reality all true nihilists kill themselves and leave nothing behind.

One cannot live successfully as a nihilist. This proves that nihilism is a false philosophy. In Fathers and Sons Turgenev wrote about a young nihilist named Bazarov. Bazarov claims that he lives for and believes in nothing and is indifferent to death. He pretends not to care about anyone or anything and thinks love is a social convention. He falls in love, but is too late, he is chronically ill. And in death all he can wish for is more life.

We enjoy fine art and good food. Love and friendship are universally celebrated. Yes there is pain and much evil in life, but there is also much good. The nihilists are wrong. There is beauty and purpose in life.