It embraces the feeling of surrender. Trillions of stars in the universe were probably not made for us. It’s not that we’re doomed to live in a meaningless universe–it’s that we get the chance to experience ourselves and the universe we share. Every bad thing you did will be, You know what's great about life? Nihilism is a philosophy, or family of views within philosophy, expressing some form of negation towards life or towards fundamental concepts such as knowledge, existence, and the meaning of life. Human beings naturally seek meaning, but we live in a world with no innate meaning. It suggests that we are insignificant in the totality of existence. For this condition, Kurzgesagt recommends a remedy: “Optimistic Nihilism,” a philosophy that posits ultimate freedom in the midst of, and solely enabled by, the utter meaninglessness of existence: “If our life is the only thing we get to experience, then it’s the only thing that matters. and that's what makes it wonderful. and that's what makes it wonderful. During this time my insatiable curiosity about the human condition began to really materialize, and after my own introspective soul searching, I eventually concluded that my truest desires and interests would best be served in the field of psychotherapy. Or in other words - nihilistic takes tend to defeat themselves, as soon as you start adding interpretational layers like the ones above. But the philosophy of “Optimistic Nihilism” goes on to expound a thesis similar to that of the Zen popularizer, Alan Watts, who has soothed many a case of existential dread with his response to the idea that we are somehow separate from the universe, either hovering above it or crushed beneath it. The more you believe you have control over something, the more you identify with it. all life is meaningless. Essentially, this is the idea that if there is no great scheme, no greater purpose, then we are beholden to no one but ourselves - and that means we are only more responsible to try to do good in the world and leave our mark. Upon receiving my bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1990, I began working with children and adolescents in the foster-care system on a ranch in the Texas Hill Country. Nihilism is the philosophical theory that the universe and all the life that inhabits us (including ours) has no intrinsic meaning or value. Why Optimistic Nihilism Can Help Depression Existential nihilism is the philosophical theory that our life has no intrinsic meaning or value. How to use nihilism in a sentence. You are free to make your own meaning and discover what makes you happy. Same Day, Weekend, and Evening Appointments Available. Nihilism definition is - a viewpoint that traditional values and beliefs are unfounded and that existence is senseless and useless. Human beings naturally seek meaning, but we live in a world with no innate meaning. While optimistic nihilism can be helpful, therapy is a proven treatment for depression. enjoy it while it lasts. Please Let Us Know If You'd Like to See a Specific Counselor. We are tiny creatures that live only briefly compared to the universe too epically large and old for our brains to comprehend. Let's Talk! You may already be familiar with the idea of nihilism, the belief that there is no intrinsic meaning to life. Optimistic nihilism views the belief that there is no underlying meaning to life from a perspective of hope. all life is meaningless. From there, I was promoted to working in the juvenile justice field and ultimately was responsible for overseeing the entire Texas Youth Commission Parole Division in Williamson County, Texas. Every mistake you made will not matter in the end. I enrolled in the Masters Program in Clinical Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin and graduated with honors in 2002. As far as I can tell, optimistic nihilism isn’t really a universally defined term. it means that if the universe has no purpose, time will go on without you, then you don't matter. When you think you have a choice whether or not to be depressed, you start to be defined by it. Surrendering to depression doesn’t mean giving it control. With respect to the universe, existential nihilism suggests that a single human or even the entire human species is insignificant, without purpose and unlikely to change in the totality of existence. The fact that you don’t have complete control can be scary, but it also sets you free. Optimistic nihilism is, therefore, a brighter outlook than mere nihilism as it proposes that since life is meaningless, we are free to give it whatever meaning we choose. You may also be wondering how this seemingly depressing philosophy could combat depression rather than amplifying it. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Meaning, there's right or wrong, because that's what happens in the social. The counterpoint is the idea of "Optimistic Nihilism." Existential nihilism, the philosophy that life has no intrinsic meaning or value. They’re the people that want to create meaning in a meaningless world, they want everyone to live their lives as happy as can be. The friction between incongruous concepts like these creates a dilemma: The Absurd. It allows you to focus on what matters, and what matters can be whatever you want it to be. It narrows down what we have to worry about. it means that if the universe has no purpose, time will go on without you, then you don't matter. But the philosophy of “Optimistic Nihilism” goes on to expound a thesis similar to that of the Zen popularizer, Alan Watts, who has soothed many a case of existential dread with his response to the idea that we are somehow separate from the universe, either hovering above it or crushed beneath it. Due to COVID-19, we’ve chosen to make a couple of changes to align more with the changing needs of our community. Optimistic nihilism deals with the existential concept of “The Absurd”. To live meaningfully in a meaningless universe, you must first make your own meaning. Optimistic nihilism deals with the existential concept of “The Absurd”. The optimistic nihilist looks at a world lacking meaning and purpose and sees the opportunity to create their own. Everyone and everything will be forgotten with time. Life is an empty white canvas that you can paint however you want. To resolve The Absurd, optimistic nihilism advises us to accept it. This can quickly turn into your depression swallowing you whole. Not by simply “being happier”, but by practicing better self-care, like exercising, meditating, cultivating loving friendships, and getting a good night’s sleep. Different nihilist positions hold variously that human values are baseless, that life is meaningless, that knowledge is impossible, or that some set of entities does not exist. Optimistic nihilism can be an incredibly empowering belief. In embracing it, you have the power to change your experience from a negative one to a positive one. Why Optimistic Nihilism Can Help Depression If you’ve decided to continue reading despite your skepticism, you possess the curious mind that you’ll need for this article. therapy is a proven treatment for depression, Dating Someone With Depression: How to be Supportive, How to Ease Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms, Personal Reflections on Manic-Depressive Illness. In describing optimistic nihilism, we’ll be touching upon philosophical topics, so please put on your philosophy hats at this time. It means you embrace the fact that it will always be a part of your life. Paradoxically, the less you try to control your depression, the more control you have over your life. Contact Louis-Laves Webb and Associates today to find out if counseling is right for you. There are many things in life that we cannot control, and the optimistic nihilist is grateful for this. Optimistic Nihilism. 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