Monday, January 24, 2011

In the Name of Nothing

With our class's recent coverage of different philosophies, such as relativism and absolutism, it was an interesting task to try and identify with one more than the others. However, the philosophy of Nihilism stood out as needing a particularly complicated approach, relying on a complete removal of our Self from the equation and perhaps the entire equation itself. Touched on with questions from our class, Nihilism roots itself in the belief (or lack of belief) that the universe has no ultimate purpose. That we're all just specks of dust floating around in the infinite abyss of space.

Despite this seemingly dreary outlook on the world and life itself, I personally take refuge in the idea of a meaningless existence. Instead of expecting compensation for a life of good deeds or a punishment for one filled with wrongdoing, I am held accountable only to myself. Even though this seemingly still attaches 'meaning' to life constructed by my desires and decisions, it exists in parallel to my understanding of the universe. As a human being, I am bound by my choices and consequences, hoping to satisfy the innate wants and needs all people wish for - happiness, love, success. However, as we stare into the depths of space hoping to understand its inner workings, it will always stare back with a relentless tone of indifference. And it couldn't be more beautiful.

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