[jon64]

Existential nihilism is the philosophical theory that life has no intrinsic meaning or value. With respect to the universe, existential nihilism posits that a single human or even the entire human species is insignificant, without purpose and unlikely to change in the totality of existence. According to the theory, each individual is an isolated being "thrown" into the universe, barred from knowing "why", yet compelled to invent meaning

[kate1212]

Hmm, I think it's probably true and an interesting theory. It's something I'd like to read about and learn more on. However, do I think there's any use in thinking in such a way? Probably not. I'd rather remain 'compelled to invent meaning' even if it is false.

[jon64]

(Original post by kate1212)
Hmm, I think it's probably true and an interesting theory. It's something I'd like to read about and learn more on. However, do I think there's any use in thinking in such a way? Probably not. I'd rather remain 'compelled to invent meaning' even if it is false.

Yeah man i agree

[Will_to_power]

It is improper to use "insignificant" to describe the whole human race

[Cephalus]

(Original post by jon64)
Existential nihilism is the philosophical theory that life has no intrinsic meaning or value. With respect to the universe, existential nihilism posits that a single human or even the entire human species is insignificant, without purpose and unlikely to change in the totality of existence. According to the theory, each individual is an isolated being "thrown" into the universe, barred from knowing "why", yet compelled to invent meaning

your mum

[Kiss]

Its sad but true

[jumpingjesusholycow]

He makes the most sense on the topic of nihilism as far as I'm concerned.

[Aoide]

I completely agree with it. Unlike the majority I don't find it sad- depending on how you view its implications it can be liberating. Without purpose or meaning I have no expectations or requirements placed upon me and can instead live for me. Without objective values I can choose my own subjective values and can dedicate my life to my own aims with no other justification than because I want to. I used to find it depressing that my life was worthless but have since decided that I don't require other peoples judgement and that being able to look back and say I have enjoyed my life is success enough.

[jon64]

pretty much what I expected, agreement about existential nihilism.

[bramz19]

(Original post by Will_to_power)
It is improper to use "insignificant" to describe the whole human race

It is arrogant for you to say that it's improper to say so.

I don't see how anyone can argue against the OP, it's pretty much on the money.

[Adam C]

I quite like Camus' idea of absurdism; the parodoxical ideas that our lives are very important and meaningful to us but are also pointless and meaningless otherwise. Creating our own purpose is thus important.

[Will_to_power]

(Original post by bramz19)
It is arrogant for you to say that it's improper to say so.

I don't see how anyone can argue against the OP, it's pretty much on the money.

What I mean is, We are neither significant nor insignificant by nature, it depends on how we define ourselves.

Insignificant is a word of value which WE defines it.

I generally agree his point of view, except the word "insignificant"

[Aoide]

The word insignificant is correct it's just used in an unusual context. Humanity is insignificant since it has no intrinsic value.

[EnigmaticSpirit]

I adhere to this doctrine. We may only come to know of the purpose of objects, inventions and the sort. Not only does this include human life, but life as a whole as it cannot have any objective meaning. I believe life has an intrinsic value, just no meaning - it is erroneous to conflate the two. Meaning, however, is self-created and manifests in the minds of men who seek to lavish themselves in their own illusionary fulfilment of a grandiose purpose.

[shmuxel]

I seem to recall something that Camus said about Nihilism, but can't remember it!

[jon64]

(Original post by Muscovite)
What would be the point of my opinion. I don't have anything I particularly feel like saying.

you just did

[prog2djent]

According to my anarchist friends it is a word used by closet neo-nazis.

[Harolinho]

Yep, this is mostly what i discuss on forums.

Nihilism is -as far as i'm concerned- the only logical conclusion that comes from the understanding of the logic behind morality, especially a collective morality.

[EnigmaticSpirit]

(Original post by prog2djent)
According to my anarchist friends it is a word used by closet neo-nazis.

That is ludicrous! To utilise logic when it comes to morality is not a form of Nazism.

[prog2djent]

(Original post by EnigmaticSpirit)
That is ludicrous! To utilise logic when it comes to morality is not a form of Nazism.

Oh its well know. Nazi's will often disguise their true thoughts by adding "nihilist" or "neo-nihilist". Just type nihilist and any extrememly authoritarian ideology and you will find articles, entries on political forums, and elsewhere.

I don't quite know why, but I imagine the nihilism ties in with exreme narcicism of (which also ties with the former) nazi's.