Nihilism is a type of worldview in which a person denies social norms, orders and values. We can say that this is a philosophy and way of life of a person. Perhaps now you thought that we would talk about antisocial individuals, vandals, hooligans, drunkards. No. Although all of this is a manifestation of nihilism, there are other, more attractive examples. And the concept itself is much more complex and broader. Let's take a closer look at what nihilism is and who a nihilist is in simple words.
Nihilism - what is it?
The meaning of the word nihilist comes from the Latin nihil. Translated, it means nothing, therefore the definition of nihilism is the destruction of the existing order, system, existing norms, denial. An interesting fact is that different sciences define different meanings of this concept.
- Psychology is a protective manifestation of the psyche when a person destroys the world around him before it destroys him.
- Philosophy is the denial of authorities, cultural behavior, generally accepted values, and norms.
- Literature is the desire to overcome the usual pattern of life, to go beyond the boundaries, showing nonconformism.
- History is absolute skepticism. Nihilism in history is the denial not only of norms, but also of all rules, orders, laws previously invented by man.
Bibliography
- Pratt, Alan (no data). "Nihilism". Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
. ISSN 2161-0002. Retrieved 2020-12-01. - Bilgrami, Akil (2006). Self-knowledge and resentment
. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. - Harman, Gilbert (1977). The Nature of Morality: An Introduction to Ethics
. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195021431. OCLC 2725781. - Joyce, Richard (2001). The Myth of Morality
. Cambridge and New York: Cambridge University Press. - Korsgaard, Christina (1996). Sources of normativity
. Cambridge and New York: Cambridge University Press. - Mackie, John (1977). Ethics: Inventing Right and Wrong
. London. ISBN 0140135588. OCLC 24729622. - Shafer-Landau, Russia (2010). Fundamentals of Ethics
. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-063139-0. - Shafer-Landau, Russia (2018). Fundamentals of Ethics
(fourth ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-532086-2. - Sinnott-Armstrong, Walter (2019), Zalta, Edward N. (ed.), "Moral Skepticism", Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
(Summer 2022), Stanford University Metaphysics Research Lab, retrieved 2020-05-28 - Timmons, Mark (1999). Morality without Reasons: A Defense of Ethical Contextualism
. Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press..
Who is a nihilist in simple words
A brief definition of nihilism is the denial of common values, the destruction of norms built over generations, the emptiness of feelings. A nihilist is a person who denies the values, norms, and foundations of society that are familiar to everyone.
It is interesting that such people will not fill the resulting void, because the philosophy of nihilism is negative. It turns out that against the background of the loss of meaning and value of life, nihilism arises.
Apart from the general rejection of the world around him, the nihilist does not offer anything better. The main feature of behavior is a total denial of morality, aesthetic norms, and God.
History of origin
The concept of nihilism first appeared in the Middle Ages. Then this term was used to describe the doctrine that refutes the human origin of Jesus Christ. Over the years, nihilistic theories have found themselves in Western philosophy. At first everything was tied to religion, but soon a different meaning came - life has no specific meaning. Popular philosophers of that time began to study the problem that arose: Nietzsche, Spengler, Jacobi.
At the end of the 19th century, nihilism became an independent science. Two scientists understood its principles most of all: W. Reich and E. Fromm. The first believed that nihilism is a banal neurosis, a protective property of the psyche in conditions of total rejection of the surrounding world. According to Fromm, when a person cannot adapt to this world and go through the stage of self-realization, he tries to destroy it.
How to get rid of nihilism - practices
A person can get rid of nihilism on his own. It is important to treat the problem with all seriousness and responsibility. A useful addition would be to keep a diary where you can write down your own thoughts, successes, failures and goals for the future.
A diary will help you approach the problem systematically. First, you should describe your situation now and what you don’t like. Then write how you want to behave, set goals and actions for the next month.
The following techniques and exercises help to get rid of nihilism.
Awareness of the problem
A person must understand for himself what nihilism is, why it prevents him from living, and what a person loses because of this quality. There is no need to fight the problem without clearly understanding it, otherwise there will be no result.
If a person still doubts, then he needs to take a piece of paper, divide it in half and write down all the benefits that a person receives from nihilism, as well as everything that he loses because of this quality.
Determine the cause of your condition
It is worth remembering when a person first experienced disgust for the world around him, what could have caused it. It is especially worthwhile to “dig” into your childhood. All thoughts, memories and assumptions must be recorded in a diary.
Think about what's missing
A person does not accept society and the surrounding reality for a reason. What exactly do you not like? You need to work with these moments: study them more fully and carefully, change your attitude towards them, learn to ignore them.
Find what you like
Every person sometimes notices nihilistic views on life, but he still likes something. For example, writing poetry, writing a news column, caring for animals, developing websites.
It is this activity that is worth taking up seriously, and ideally, making it your profession and a way of earning money. This state is called anti-nihilism. A person understands how imperfect the world is, so he finds something that will undoubtedly bring him pleasure and where he will be useful.
Have you noticed any traits of nihilistic behavior in yourself? What do you think causes them? Tell us about your observations in the comments. Share the results after completing the tasks.
Don't forget to share the article on social networks, send it to relatives and friends. Together we will make interpersonal communication more comfortable and productive.
An example of nihilism
The most common literary example of the teaching is Mr. Bazarov. For those who don’t know him, this is one of the main characters in the work “Fathers and Sons” by I. Turgenev. By the way, the prototype of Bazarov was a real person - a doctor, whom Turgenev had to encounter at one time.
According to the book, Bazarov has a whole bunch of dubious qualities:
- does not pay attention to the opinion of a friend;
- always argues with everyone, taking the side of the eternal opposition;
- not friendly, therefore he never follows his speech, sometimes expressing himself rudely;
- denies the current order;
- calls philosophy and religion stupidity, considering only science to be the authority;
- treats people as a separate species, considering everyone the same;
- guided solely by reason, not allowing the manifestation of normal human emotions.
As a result, it becomes clear that Bazarov’s behavior was the result of his conflict with everyone around him, including his family.
How to communicate with such people
People who deny everything are not always pleasant interlocutors. Typically, a nihilistic interlocutor demonstrates a wry smile, obvious distrust of the speaker, ironic behavior, and disrespect for someone else’s point of view.
It is worth building communication with such a person:
- Never fall for his provocations or manipulations.
- Remain calm and in control of the situation.
- Try not to copy your interlocutor, not to tease him, even if you really want to do this.
- If a tense situation arises in a conversation, try to cope with it with the help of a sense of humor.
- Adequately assess your own potential, do not allow a nihilist to sow doubts or self-doubt in your soul.
- Do not give unsolicited advice, and if a nihilist is interested in the opinion of the interlocutor, then give it in the most neutral or optimistic manner possible.
- There is no need to try to convince a person, start reading morals to him, appealing to his conscience.
- Try to treat the nihilist condescendingly and with understanding. There is no need to be like him; it is much more productive to find an approach and common ground together.
The main task that needs to be achieved when communicating with a nihilist is to find a compromise solution, even if it is difficult.
What life hacks do you use when communicating with nihilists? Tell us about them in the comments.
Principles of Nihilism
A nihilist is a person who clearly states his life positions and succinctly talks about his principles.
- There is no God as the highest power, since there is no real evidence of this.
- There are no morals, just like morality. The reason is that these concepts have no real explanation.
- There is no single correct truth suitable for all of life, therefore any action taken cannot be preferable or more important than another.
To be a nihilist is to follow only the facts and not take anything for granted. Such people have no ideals, and, in their opinion, people do not need them.
Nihilists are first and foremost rationalists.
Quotes
- Sinnott-Armstrong 2022.
- Pratt undated
- ^ a b
Shafer-Landau 2010C. 292–293. - (Pratt n/a)
- Poppies 1977, [ page needed
]. - Joyce 2001, [ page needed
]. - Shafer-Landau 2022, [ page needed
]. - Maki 1977, para. 38.
- Timmons 1999C. 12–13.
- Timmons 1999, para. 50.
- ^ a b
Timmons 1999, para. 51. - Korsgaard 1996, para. 166.
- Bilgrami 2006.
- Harman 1977, chapter 1.
Reasons for the emergence of nihilism
As already indicated, nihilism is a protective manifestation of the human psyche. Its roots begin in deep childhood. At this time, the child exhibits such strong emotions as distrust of others, parents, and misunderstanding of himself. Typically, all nihilists experience excessive parenting in childhood, and their parenting style is too authoritarian. It turns out that a person gets used to the lack of love, respect and understanding in life. As a result, in place of these emotions, coldness, anger, and an aggressive perception of the world arise.
But, like any person, a nihilist wants to join and be understood by society. This further intensifies his personality conflict. Global rejection of moral principles occurs among adolescents.
Preserving one’s own uniqueness and the opportunity to express oneself in the current framework of society is a key problem in psychology. Not everyone can remain free within a total system.
Types of nihilism
Nihilistic views have been divided into several basic types.
- Geographical. Denial of the fact that geographical factors affect the development of cultural and personal qualities of a person or an entire nation.
- Cultural. Rejection of the cultural component as a factor influencing public life. The consequence of the counterculture, whose adherents were Nietzsche, Rousseau, Freud. They advocated reason, intellect and technological progress, refuting the importance of emotions and feelings. Western pop culture has come under nihilistic attack.
- Moral. A concept based on which any action cannot be assessed in the prism of morality or immorality. This concept was specially invented to control huge masses of people. The goal is the personal benefit of the one who controls this mass. The result is that morality is not a norm or truth, but only a way of limiting personal freedom.
- Mereological. The concept that only indivisible objects are important. An example is that an organ is only part of the body, and a tree is part of the forest. It turns out that the personality itself is not individual, but only a part of society. This view is more like anti-nihilism.
- Moral. Identical option to the moral view. All moral laws were created by people to limit their own freedom, therefore it is not necessary to follow them.
- Legal. Denial of legal norms created for comfortable and safe communication between people. This type of nihilism causes riots, lawbreaking, and chaos. The reason is that the current legal system cannot regulate all the needs of a modern person. Society does not know the laws; it sees that most of them do not work in practice, therefore no one believes in their effectiveness.
- Religious. Was popular in the last century. The essence is the denial of the existence of God, since there is no irrefutable evidence of his real existence.
- Social. Opposition to current rules. In practice, this is a denial of family foundations, moral concepts, and non-acceptance of the political system. Social nihilistic behavior is based on disagreement with accepted innovations and constant criticism.
- Youthful. A type of social. Youthful nihilism is based on criticism of the behavior of adults and failure to perceive their moral principles. Develops during puberty, when young people try to understand and accept their own self. Teenage nihilism is expressed by vivid emotions, a total denial of everything “adult” and the existing order.
Conclusion.
Nihilism can be described as one of the greatest crises of human societies throughout the world. There is a need for self-reflection, individual and collective, to protect ourselves from destruction, as explained above. Extreme skepticism in any matter is unwarranted. We cannot generalize things and label them as non-existent or illogical. We shouldn't let selfish politicians make us hate each other. Good and evil in society in different cases and circumstances are indefinable and are often the result of social and emotional pressure. Nowadays, everyone seems to accept the meaninglessness of every moral and ethical value. In such a scenario, the moral arrogance of a few irresponsible people will determine whose point of view takes precedence over others for society, as they will interpret religious and moral laws according to their self-interest. This will lead to the violent imposition of the “will of the few” on the masses, which could lead our societies to collapse and chaos.
Characteristics of a Nihilist
Who is a real nihilist? In reality, this concept refers to a skeptic who has critical thinking. He is not attracted by the principles that have been established for centuries, the existing structure of life. He has no authority, he believes that there is no meaning in human existence.
Characteristics of nihilism
It is difficult for normal people to find a common language with nihilists. They believe that existing orders, norms of behavior and foundations were invented specifically for the purpose of enslaving the free will of society. The result is that nihilists decide for themselves what the right life is. They are true egoists, with a developed sense of their own safety. Only the material and physical part of existence is real for them.
The concept of spiritual love is alien to nihilists. Creativity, spirituality and relationships only take away free time.
According to psychologists, if a person recognizes himself as such an individual and can say “I am a nihilist,” he is at the stage of internal conflict, since he cannot realize his own potential. The result is a desire for complete alienation.
A nihilist is a person who denies without offering.
The boom of nihilism occurred in the second half of the 19th century and is associated with the philosophical ideas of the Germans Arthur Schopenhauer, Friedrich Nietzsche and Oswald Spengler, although their compatriot Max Stirner (1806-1856) is considered the first nihilist.
- Stirner elevates selfishness (what is it?) to an unconditional good, proclaims any morality to be ghosts and calls on humanity to free itself from them.
Moreover, he is so radical that even a revolution for him is not a way to change the accepted social structure; the philosopher goes further: “We are not talking about a new upcoming revolution, but about a powerful, arrogant, unceremonious, shameless and unscrupulous crime.”Stirner, denying everything , went so far as to justify the murder, although he wavered and added the remark “kill, but not torture.”
- Schopenhauer leaves only the concept of the will, which underlies everything. The history of the existence of the world is the history of meaningless throwings of will. Human life is a series of sufferings followed by boredom. The only correct direction for understanding the world is indifferent contemplation.
- Spengler believes that nihilism is the speculation of tired city dwellers who have nothing ahead.
- Friedrich Nietzsche built a whole concept. He argues that any morality is created in order to expand the boundaries of its power.
The Nietzschean superman goes beyond morality and morality, is outside the coordinate system of good and evil. Nietzsche's formula for nihilism is in his phrase “God is dead.” Along with God, the moral values and ideas embodied in him died.
Russian nihilists
In Russia, the question “What is nihilism?” responded both from a positive and negative point of view. M.A. Bakunin, P.A. Kropotkin, D.I. Pisarev - famous Russian nihilists of the 19th century.
On Russian soil, this worldview acquired its own characteristics - to explain social processes, our nihilists tried to rely on Darwin’s theory , therefore the evolution of society was described from the perspective of Darwinists. Man is an animal, therefore he lives according to the laws of the struggle for the existence of the species.
Famous nihilists
It is impossible to say whether this direction is right or wrong. Any science has its adherents and critics. There are many famous personalities among the nihilists:
- Friedrich Nietzsche - psychologist;
- Erich Fromm - philosopher;
- Dmitry Pisarev - revolutionary, literary critic, publicist;
- Peter Kropotkin - anarchist, revolutionary;
- Mikhail Bakunin - revolutionary, thinker.
Some scientists claim that Vladimir Lenin was a true nihilist.
Nihilists in literature
For literature, nihilism became a separate phenomenon that affected the two centuries of the 18th and 19th. People first started talking about this current in 1829. Nadezhin in one of his works called deniers and skeptics nihilists. 30 years later, a book on psychology by V.V. Bervi was published, where the same term was described in more detail. Until the 70s of this century, nothing changed, until the philosophy of nihilism reached Western writers. Since those norms, this term has been used to refer to Russian rebels, anarchists, and revolutionaries.
Bazarov, “Fathers and Sons”, Turgenev
When the world became acquainted with Turgenev’s book “Fathers and Sons,” literary nihilists opened up to the world in a new way, incarnating themselves in Bazarov. At this time there was just a big fire in St. Petersburg, so it was the “deniers” who were blamed for it. Thanks to the crowd, the unknown term soon became popular.
The same persons are described in Kovalevskaya’s story of the same name from 1884.
In the 19th century, the sixties were called nihilists, who denied religion and preached anarchism, immoralism and materialism.
What kind of nihilist is he today?
Nowadays, nihilists have acquired new features - the theory of mindfulness, minimalists in relationships, religion. They, as before, deny everything that can fetter human freedom: morality, norms, rules, traditions. Such people do not vote, do not obey anyone’s orders, always clearly show their discontent and do not believe in the existence of a higher mind.
According to psychologists, today's nihilists are more like realists. This is a kind of reasonable skepticism, with an expanded interpretation of critical thinking. Such traits begin to appear in a person when he becomes disillusioned with spirituality, becomes selfish and begins to revere the material world.
Modern day nihilist
