Nihilism
/ˈnɪɪlɪzəm/
nounC2
Definition
Nihilism means thinking that nothing really matters in life. People who believe in nihilism often say there is no true meaning, no real good or bad, and no important rules to follow. It is a strong idea about life and values that some find sad or freeing.
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See It in Action
Philosophy that life has no meaning or value
- •Some philosophers argue that nihilism challenges traditional beliefs.
- •Nihilism says that moral values are not real or important.
- •The novel explores the theme of nihilism through its main character.
A general feeling or belief that life is pointless or empty
- •After losing his job, he felt a sense of nihilism and despair.
- •The movie shows the dark side of nihilism in modern society.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "nihilism" like "nothing matters," but as a deep idea about life, not just a feeling of being bored or sad
- ✓Picture a blank, empty room with no furniture or decorations—nothing to hold your attention or give meaning
- ✓It's the feeling when you ask "Why do I do this?" and feel there is no clear answer or reason
- ✓Sounds like "NIL-ih-zum" → imagine "nil" meaning zero or nothing, so "nihilism" is about nothing having value
- ✓In stories, nihilism appears when characters lose hope or reject all rules and meaning, like in some sad or serious books
- ✓NOT like "pessimism" (expecting bad things)—nihilism says nothing is important at all, not just expecting bad
- ✓NOT like "skepticism" (doubting)—nihilism fully denies meaning or value, not just questions it
Try Other Words
- •Meaninglessness: the state of having no meaning (Use when focusing on lack of meaning rather than broad rejection of values)
- •Pessimism: expecting bad outcomes (Use when the focus is on negative expectations, not total rejection of meaning)
- •Skepticism: doubt or questioning (Use when the attitude is doubting, not denying all values)
- •Existentialism: philosophy about finding personal meaning (Use when discussing different philosophical views about life's meaning)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "nihil-" (Latin for "nothing") + "-ism" (a belief or system)
- •Etymology: From Latin "nihil" meaning "nothing," combined with "-ism" to show a belief or philosophy
- •Historical development: First used in the 19th century to describe a rejection of traditional values in Russia and philosophy
- •Modern usage: Used in philosophy, literature, and everyday talk to describe beliefs or feelings that life or values are empty or meaningless
Reflect & Connect
•Can someone believe in nihilism but still find happiness or purpose in life? Why or why not?
•How does the idea of nihilism affect the way people see rules, laws, or traditions in society?
Fill in the blanks
1.People who believe in nihilism think that life has no ___ or ___.
2.Nihilism often leads to the rejection of ___ or moral principles.
3.Feeling ___ after a big loss can sometimes make a person think in a nihilistic way.
4.Nihilism is different from pessimism because it says nothing has ___, not just that things will be bad.
5.In philosophy, nihilism challenges the idea that there is any ___ or value in life.
6.When a story shows characters with nihilism, they usually ___ accepted rules or meanings.
7.Nihilism comes from the Latin word "nihil," which means ___ or ___.