This One Idea Will Change How You Think About Your Entire Life (Existential Nihilism)

What’s the Meaning of Life, Anyway?

Have you ever gazed up at the stars and wondered, “What’s the point of all this?” You’re not alone; people have been grappling with this question for centuries. But what if the real answer is that there isn’t an answer at all?

The Big, Empty Universe

Picture the universe as a vast, never-ending void. In this immense expanse, the Earth is just a tiny, pale blue dot, and human life is a brief flicker. You, like every other being, suddenly appear one day, and just as quickly, you’ll be gone. The history of the universe stretches out before you and will continue long after you’re no longer here.

Yet, despite this vast uncertainty, here we are. Among all the possible things that could exist, you and I are among the ones that do. In this brief moment, we experience life: laughing, crying, loving, creating, connecting, worrying, failing, and trying again. In our fleeting existence, we define what it means to be human.

What is Existential Nihilism?

This is where existential nihilism comes in. It suggests that, in the grand scheme of things, our lives might not have any inherent meaning or purpose. This means there’s no grand plan or ultimate reason why we exist. The universe is vast and indifferent, and human life is just a tiny part of it. In the big picture, our lives don’t come with a pre-determined meaning.

A World Without Meaning Isn’t So Bad

At first, this idea can seem bleak or unsettling. After all, who wouldn’t feel lost when faced with the enormity of an indifferent cosmos? But existential nihilism challenges us to rethink our approach to life and meaning. If life doesn’t have a set meaning, then we have the freedom to create our own, and that’s incredibly powerful.

Moreover, existential nihilism encourages humility and interconnectedness. It reminds us that while our lives may be fleeting in the cosmic scale, they are deeply meaningful in the context of our personal journeys and the impact we have on others. By embracing our existence as a unique opportunity to experience and contribute to the world, we can find purpose in the present moment and develop a deeper appreciation for the fleeting yet precious gift of life.

Why Do We Need to Think About This?

From a psychological standpoint, existential nihilism challenges our need for certainty and security. Humans naturally seek patterns and purposes, so the idea of a purposeless life can feel unsettling. However, recognizing that the meaning of our lives is ours to create liberates us from the pressure to conform to external expectations or societal norms. This freedom allows us to embrace our individuality and pursue what truly resonates with us—what makes us happy and gives us personal fulfillment.

Gradually, you start to see that many of the things that stress you out are actually meaningless and don’t even make much sense. You begin to understand that life doesn’t have to be as serious as everyone says it should be. You come to realize that life is simple, unique, and beautiful, and the small moments we have right now are incredibly precious.

You discover that you have the power to break free from past cycles and history, to create your own meaning. You don’t have to believe everything you’re told or follow the path laid out by others. Instead, you have the freedom to choose the life you want to live, to define your own happiness, and to shape your destiny.

Embracing the Void

Life can be unpredictable and chaotic, and sometimes things happen that we can’t control. By understanding that life doesn’t need a pre-determined meaning, we can find comfort in knowing it’s okay to just go with the flow and make the best of what comes our way.

Not having a set meaning doesn’t have to be frightening. It means we’re free to explore, try new things, and change our minds. It’s a reminder that we don’t need to have everything figured out right now—or ever.

The Power of Creating Your Own Meaning

Existential nihilism might sound complicated, but at its heart, it’s about freedom and creativity. It tells us that while life might not have a grand, cosmic purpose, we have the incredible power to give it our own meaning. So, next time you look up at the stars and wonder what it’s all about, remember that the answer is up to you.

We hope this gives you a fresh perspective on existential nihilism and how it can actually be a positive, empowering way to look at life! As you ponder the vastness of the universe and your unique place within it, ask yourself this: If you have the freedom to create your own meaning in life, what will you choose to make it about?

References:

• Pursuit of Wonder. (2023, January 25). This one idea will change how you think about your entire life [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDwrilOepHo