“If we believe in nothing, if nothing has any meaning and if we can affirm no values whatsoever, then everything is possible and nothing has any importance.”
“The middle way is a view of life that avoids the extreme of misguided grasping and the despair and nihilism born from the mistaken belief that nothing matters, that all is meaningless.”
“I think you can get to a point where nihilism, if that’s the right word, is overwhelming, and the basic laws that society has set up—either religious or social laws—become meaningless.”
The noise pushing us into the despair of nihilism keeps growing louder.
It’s cacophonous and jarring. Disorienting.
I want to shout out to Alexa, “Please turn down the volume!” She hasn’t yet evolved to understand the meaning behind my request.
Working people are often overwhelmed by the noise of demanding clients. Parents experience the seemingly constant noise of fighting children. Teachers manage the noise of competitive parents and hyper kids. Us older folks deal with the reality of our mortality and the despair of inching closer and closer to our demise—finding meaning with ever decreasing capacity and capability creates disquieting noise in our bodies, minds, and spirits.
After reading the New York Times every morning, I have to turn down the noise of depressing news stories. The current occupant of the White House, if nothing else, knows how to turn up the volume and keep it blasting. I have to be constantly vigilant to avoid stepping onto the slippery slope to nihilism. So what is this thing called nihilism?
Nihilism is the philosophical viewpoint denying the belief in the meaningful aspects of life. It argues that life is without objective, meaning, purpose, or value.
Nihilism asserts that accepted moral values are abstractly contrived.
It seeks to explain the general mood of despair at the perceived pointlessness of existence that we may develop upon realizing there are no necessary norms, rules or laws.
In short, nihilism is the belief that life has no intrinsic meaning or value. It suggests that the entire human species is insignificant and unlikely to change in the totality of its existence on earth.
It is a form of skepticism in which all knowledge is accepted as being possibly untrue, i.e. all information is simply fake news.
Whew, doesn’t sound like a pleasant philosophy.
Over the past five years, I’ve written several posts on meaning, purpose, and values as counter-points to nihilism:
- “Measuring Meaning in the New Year“
- “Motivation and Meaning“
- “Machines, Money, and Meaning“
- “Finding Meaning“
- “Who, Why, How“
- “Values Matter“
- “Prophets and their Purposes“
- “Inner and Outer Life“
- “Nietzsche, Nazis, and Now“
- “Vision and Values“
- “Values, Valuing, and Feeling Valued“
So, for me, nihilism is not an attractive philosophy because, by definition, it is the absence of all those human aspirations. I’m more of a possibilist than a nihilist. And yet the ceaseless noise keeps pushing me to a point of despair.
Where do we find a quiet stillness in the midst of all this shouting and shrieking? How do we find an alternative to despair and nihilism?
Krista Tippitt, in her On Being podcast, typically asks all her guests what causes them despair and what gives them hope.
Tippitt elicits a wide range of answers. Some find the practice of meditation helps them quiet their minds when they are feeling despair. Others find that mindfulness keeps them focused on what’s happening in the moment without judgment or negativity. Some find their connection with a higher Source to be soothing. Caring fully for another person give many a sense of comfort. Growing plants and appreciating nature eases many minds. Nature baths are becoming increasingly popular. Seeing flowers and children bloom eases our souls. Joining intimately with others puts us into a positive flow and fills us with hope for better days. Those who find meaning and grace through one form or another glow with gratitude. Apparently, hope is an effective antidote to despair.
For me, trying to help people achieve their dreams and aspirations gives me a sense of purpose. Hugging my grandkids fills me with meaning. And being clear about what’s most important to me helps me to navigate the noise of each day with a little more consciousness and intentionality. Pursuing my purpose, seeking meaningful activities, and clarifying values keeps me from slipping into nihilism.
A dear friend of mine once told me that, after a deep and painful dive to a very dark place, she found light that shone brightly on her path forward. I believe we are at a very dark place In human history. I hope, as a society, we can find an enlightened way to move forward.
Until then, may we find meaning in every moment independent of what the next moment may bring.
Hang in there Ricky! Thanks for being you!