I didn't choose to be here.

I'm here because a clump of matter happened to be arranged in a way to reproduce itself, eventually leading to my existence.

The evolutionary process made us more inclined to survive than to die. Even if we don't like existing, our instincts clash with us.

And now here I am, I have to deal with life. Struggle just to keep myself alive.

A vain existence without compensation, resolution, or relief. No climax, no punchline, no meaning.

You think life has no meaning, you think you have to give it meaning… I think the real absurdity is that you both exist and I have to share the planet with you.

If you have enough money and financial security, you can distract yourself with the meaningless nature of our existence. You can have fun and feel more positive emotions, so life wouldn’t feel that degrading.

I get hit with wild existential dread from the realization of eternal nothingness after death.
Are there people here who aren’t afraid at all of completely ceasing to exist and completely, finally disappearing FOREVER? People who aren’t afraid at all that after death there will NEVER again be an opportunity to see, hear, perceive, realize, understand, feel, live through, experience, and have any kind of experience at all?
If you aren't afraid of this at all - how do you manage to do it?
How do you live with this without fear, panic, and anxiety?

We think nihilism is a philosophy of life. Nothing could be more mistaken. At least, that's not how nihilism optimists see it, or in that explicit sense. Because nihilism optimism is an exact science: if we consider that meaning or significances are nothing more than mere chemical artificiality, and the only truth in reality is the concept of "freedom" that optimists possess, then, if actions are the only truly verifiable things and what nihilist optimists dedicate themselves to, then, through the fact of being the philosophy or science of action men and action being something real, it can be considered an exact science, because they move away from the artificial and dedicate themselves to something real and verifiable: actions. I previously proposed this thesis, understanding that we can understand that this is a kind of exact science, far from subjectivity and artifice. I take the opportunity to quote a phrase: "Nihilism optimism is the science of freedom, where actions are the only reality." And keep reading my contributions to nihilism optimism. More to come...

Introduction:

The first thing I must say is that people often believe nihilism is inherently negative. However, I argue that this is a severe conceptual error. Darkness is not always synonymous with negativity; sometimes, it can illuminate us. I see darkness as an eternal home, a kind of clarity. I believe the future belongs to those who can endure pain, doubt, uncertainty, fear, discomfort, and unpleasant sensations. Nihilism, rather than leading to a dungeon, should show us that we can enjoy life more by expanding our frame and allowing experiences that challenge our mental limits.

Thesis Statement:

Nihilism should not be viewed as negative; instead, it should be seen as positive. This does not mean that the absence of a factory-installed meaning in life is not disheartening. However, it also does not mean we should reject darkness. We should embrace it as a longing, a breath, a vibrancy.

Body:

1. Nihilism as a Path to Freedom

Nihilism, by stripping away imposed meanings, frees us to create our own values. This liberation allows for genuine authenticity and self-expression. Instead of being trapped in societal expectations, we can forge our own paths, unburdened by external judgments.

2. The Power of Embracing Uncertainty

Nihilism teaches us to embrace uncertainty. In a world where nothing is inherently meaningful, we can find joy in the process of living itself. This mindset encourages curiosity, exploration, and growth. We become more resilient and adaptable, finding meaning in the journey rather than the destination.

3. Nihilism and Mental Expansion

By acknowledging the lack of inherent meaning, we open ourselves to experiences that challenge our mental boundaries. This expansion leads to a richer, more nuanced understanding of the world and our place in it. We can appreciate the beauty in the mundane and find depth in the seemingly ordinary.

4. The Role of Darkness in Illumination

Darkness, in the nihilistic sense, is not an absence of light but a space for personal illumination. It is in these moments of uncertainty and doubt that we often find our true selves. The darkness of nihilism can be a catalyst for self-discovery and personal growth.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, nihilism should not be feared or rejected. It is a tool for liberation, growth, and self-discovery. By embracing the darkness, we can find a unique and authentic path through life. To those who suffer from the lack of inherent meaning, I offer this: see the darkness not as a void, but as a canvas for your own masterpiece. Thank you for reading this, friend or friend.

Call to Action:

I hope this thesis brings solace to those who struggle with the absence of meaning. Embrace the darkness, and let it guide you to a life of purpose and passion.

The nihilist came across an existentialist desperately searching for the meaning of life and an absurdist laughing at the fact that life had none.

He watched them for a few seconds, then said:

“The existentialist digs his own grave looking for a reason to live. The absurdist jumps into it laughing, because at least he’s finally found something amusing. Me? I sell you the shovels and wait for you to finish.”

The existentialist protested: “But then what’s the point of all this?”

The nihilist pointed at the grave.

“None. But at least now you have somewhere to bury your illusions.”

The absurdist burst out laughing. “And what if we turn out to be right in the end?”

“The problem,” the nihilist replied, “is that even if you are right, the universe won’t even give you a medal. You’re destined to die without answers, and the funniest part is that you’ve spent your entire lives arguing over who understood nothing better.”

Then he walked away, leaving them to argue.

Not because he had anything better to do.

Simply because even wasting your time requires a certain degree of conviction.

If you believe that all humans have worth and everyone gets to determine their own meaning, then no one gets to tell anyone else how valuable their life is. If someone believes their life has meaning, no one else can provide “evidence” otherwise because no one else lives their life. Even if someone’s life looks terrible to you, as long as they are satisfied and find meaning in it, then who cares what you or anyone else thinks?

But the flip side of this is also true. If someone believes their life has no meaning or value, then that is the “truth” as far as existence is concerned. People who insist someone should be happy or “everyone’s life has value” ignores the fact that meaning is subjective and no one else gets to decide if someone else’s life is worth more or less than that person thinks themselves.

I find it interesting that even people who are accepting of the first principal have such difficulty accepting the flip side.

If you don't have the people you love

We don't choose when we would be born and where we will be born. Neither do we choose our parents. The formative years of our life shape our core beliefs and these beliefs keep running us for our entire life. We may be able to change some of our beliefs, but its not as easy as some self help guru says

Luck plays a huge part in success. More than we'd like to admit. The very fact that we would work hard is dependent on luck. Some people are just naturally more driven than others. Intelligence is also not something that's in our control.

Most of our thoughts are automatic. Maybe 1% of our thoughts are chosen consciously by us. The rest of the thoughts lead to feelings, emotions and actions. Essentially, what we do is pretty much outside our control

Our society keeps feeding us the lie that there are some things under our control, and we would have to believe in that if we don't want to go insane. There would be no legal system, morality etc if society admitted that everything we do is outside our control. That would lead to total chaos

I remember this conversation in a book that left an impact on me, I hope you could too decipher the profound meaning in it, It really caters to the idea of post-nhilism

"Well what does it mean to repeat the same day waiting for that “day” to come ? Why not make every day a connection to that essence, Why not every day make it a special day, Defy society’s annoying conventions" "We live in a sphere of everyday life, But do you ever believe that what you achieved will ever be truly meaningful for you" "Do you know what meaningful or achievement or trueness or even the sphere of everyday life" "Yes, I’m talking about anything of substance that will truly take you somewhere" "See why you should pay attention when i’m talking, Those terms are humane terms, And they’re not a priori or universal thoughts, Do you see nature labeling itself with names ? Do you see a tree writing about its planks ? See what i’m talking about here.
You’re just mentioning conventional terms to make up for the void of life, Yet not knowing that you feed into mundanity by supposing that you challenge it."

So in this dialogues, It just really shows you how we just make up for the meaninglessness (even the word meaningless does not have an inherent absolute meaning but this still leads into hyper-self awareness) by filling the space, But do you think post-nhilism itself leads us to soul stuff ?

Esto es una propuesta algo abstracta; se me perdonará que lo diga. Me he burlado de mis compañeros, esos nihilistas que parecen atrapados en las mismísimas cerdas de sus yacentes y sórdidas mentes, pequeñas y claustrofóbicas.

Empezaré diciendo que cuando la gente sufre, o cuando adopta tal o cual postura sobre tal o cual cosa, me río. Porque en el fondo, toda alusión a un objeto, ¿no es acaso una proyección hacia uno mismo? Me río de mí mismo. Del objeto de mis enseñanzas.

Solo puedo imaginar una vida nihilista, sulfurosa, triste y apesadumbrada, y eso me hace sentir genial. Pero lamento también, y mucho, que mis compañeros, esos nihilistas, sufran por estas ideas. ¿Acaso todos vosotros pensáis solo en suicidaros ante el más mínimo sufrimiento o descontento?

Soy optimista en un único sentido, y en el sentido más desnudo de la palabra: en el sentido de que no le encuentro razón a vuestro sufrimiento, hermanos míos. No se la encuentro. Espero que la salvación llegue a vosotros, una salvación diabólica.

The nihilist looks at a man who has found meaning in his life and says:

‘How adorable. You’ve found a reason to suffer. I stopped looking for one and now I suffer for free.’”

After my last psychologist appointment, I have decided to try and put my mind into words, into a layout that can be examined and probed. I am hopeful that now having put words to paper I may be able to discern something I have missed thus far.

After deliberation I am posting it as it may be of interest to others and I'm interested in the thoughts, opinions, and perspectives of others.

My mind is a war I never chose, and I am both its prisoner and its interrogator. I am depressed, angry, anxious, bitter, cynical, and painfully self-aware. I overthink, question everything, and find contradictions in nearly every answer. PTSD preserves the past, anxiety threatens the future, and OCD torments the present with abhorrent intrusive thoughts I neither choose nor endorse, yet still condemn myself for having. I know thought is not intention, so why is that knowledge never enough? I carry shame for what I cannot control and guilt for what I can, including my attempts to escape myself through substance abuse. Sarcasm is my armour, anger my defence, and cynicism the residue of habitual disappointment. I recognise the absurdity of my thinking yet remain captive to it. I want to be good but struggle to see myself as such. I crave connection yet feel isolated even among others. I seek reason in emotion, certainty in ambiguity, and peace in a mind seemingly determined to deny it. How can I trust my own mind, reconcile my thoughts, beliefs, and actions, or distinguish my identity from trauma, conditioning, compulsion, and the consequences of what I have endured and done?

Humanity appals me precisely because of its extraordinary potential. We possess the capacity for compassion, reason, cooperation, and progress, yet squander it through greed, cruelty, ignorance, hypocrisy, exploitation, and the pursuit of power. I struggle to reconcile my faith in what humanity could become with my contempt for what it repeatedly chooses to be. I question existence, morality, consciousness, and whether purpose is anything more than a distraction from inevitable oblivion. I find wisdom in philosophy, discipline in Stoicism, and conviction in personal responsibility, yet remain unconvinced of any ultimate, objective meaning to existence.

And therein lies perhaps my greatest absurdity: I am also a devout, wholly committed Christian. I believe in God and follow Christ, not as consolation, intellectual curiosity, or insurance against oblivion, but from sincere, enduring conviction. Yet I remain a nihilist, unable to perceive the ultimate purpose my faith affirms. I believe in divine love while despising myself, in redemption while struggling to forgive my failures, and in providence while confronting apparently senseless suffering. My faith demands hope, humility, compassion, and trust, while my mind relentlessly interrogates their foundations. I can believe God has a purpose I cannot comprehend, that life has meaning I cannot feel, and that salvation exists despite my despair. Is this hypocrisy, a failure of reason, or the human condition at its most agonising? Perhaps the absurdity is not my simultaneous faith and nihilism, but my inability to relinquish either. I am a Christian convinced of greater purpose and a nihilist unable to discern it. My faith remains steadfast even when my sense of meaning collapses. I cannot reconcile this paradox, and I refuse to pretend otherwise.

Nevertheless, I refuse to give up or surrender my compassion to cynicism, my principles to despair, or my humanity to indifference. I believe in helping others, fostering community and connection, challenging injustice, pursuing knowledge, accepting responsibility, and leaving things better than I found them. Yet I cannot escape the question of what any of it ultimately accomplishes against suffering, time, and oblivion. Is meaning discovered, invented, or merely something we need to survive? I do not know. I am a nihilist burdened with a conscience, a misanthrope who loves humanity, a cynic incapable of indifference, and an unhappy man who nevertheless believes life should be lived fully and decently. I cannot promise myself happiness, redemption, certainty, or peace, nor convince myself that my efforts ultimately matter. But I can pursue my goals, confront my failures, choose my actions, and refuse to perpetuate the suffering I know intimately.

I expect neither cosmic justice nor reward, and I harbour no certainty that anything I accomplish will endure. Yet I refuse to mistake futility for permission to abandon morality. Perhaps meaning need not be universal or eternal for our actions to matter to one another. I may never resolve my contradictions, silence my mind, or believe fully in the significance of my efforts. But I will continue to care, to help, to strive, and to seek purpose even while questioning its existence. I cannot reconcile my faith with my nihilism, or my despair with my conscience. But I refuse to let the absence of meaning become an excuse for the absence of decency. I will keep trying, even when I cannot believe there is a point, because surrendering that principle would mean becoming everything I despise.

Let's end this meaningness crisis.

You exist, This is VERY personal. This is vivid. This is serious. This is life.

The point of your life is your life. You exist as this right now and that is the entire point and that is the purpose of it.

Let's imagine your in chronic pain, That is the meaning of your life, to experience chronic pain.

Let's imagine you have existential dread everyday, That's exactly the meaning of your life.

The perspective and the experience you are having and your existence. All of this, which is called a life, is the meaning of it.

Why are you not evaluating this correctly? Because suffering makes you think that your existence at this very moment is valueless. Just because you believe something has no value, it does not follow that it is not the reason you exist.

There is no higher purpose or higher meaning that you're searching for that is the reason you exist.

THIS is the reason you exist. Are you able to read this? That's because you exist. Your life's purpose is to exist.

I'm curious to hear what you guys think about this.

I also wanted to post something on here that isnt someone crying or whining about this subject.

Kind of long in a world full of reels. Perhaps consider putting it on as you go to sleep.

What is the true purpose of this existence? We are born, we struggle, we reproduce, and we die—an endless cycle that everyone accepts without question. Where is the joy in any of it? The world feels weighed down by sadness and decay, and while I haven't seen life beyond India, I often wonder if peace exists somewhere else. Right now, stuck in this overwhelming numbness, I just wish I could step out of the cycle entirely.
Blessed are those who are ignorant of these thoughts.

If you are on this subreddit, there is a good chance you have been thinking negatively of life lately. There's just this depressing question:

Why live when we will all die anyway?

After some thinking, I came up with this answer. It is the best answer I can give, but it is still discussable:

Because immortality is the worst possible curse.

If we all wouldn't die, then we would all keep living forever. But the sun will one day turn into a red giant and swallow Earth, and the universe will end, leaving nothing but void behind. We will be floating in empty space for eternity, and even though we would not die, we would still suffer. And because we wouldn't die, the suffering is infinite. This does give a life a meaning, though, the meaning being to suffer. But is that really better than having no meaning? No meaning is neutral, and neutral is better than negative. In this case, no meaning might be better than a bad one.

It might be the best one, too. We will die, therefore every negative experience, every bad thing you've done to someone, every bad thing someone's done to you and every moment of pain, will be forgotten and no longer be relevant. You can live without the worry of making a mistake, without the stress of having to do something right, without the anxiety of having to achieve.

I hope this helps.

I've been thinking a lot about the point of existence lately, and I keep coming back to the same uncomfortable questions.

We spend decades studying, working, earning money, maintaining relationships and trying to build a future. We're told that if we work hard enough, make the right decisions and remain disciplined, things will eventually fall into place.

But what is all of this ultimately for?

You spend years preparing for a career, then most of your waking hours go towards earning a living. You need money to survive, but the pursuit of money consumes the time you could have spent actually living. Relationships fade, people move on, circumstances change, and even the things we accomplish eventually become irrelevant on a sufficiently long timescale.

I'm not necessarily arguing that life has to possess some cosmic purpose. I'm more interested in what happens when the conventional sources of meaning—career, financial success, social status and achievement—stop feeling convincing.

I struggle to understand why we're expected to invest so much of ourselves in systems and goals that we never chose in the first place, simply because participation is necessary to survive.

If meaning is something we construct ourselves, how do you construct it without feeling that you're just inventing reasons to keep going? And if nothing has any inherent meaning, what makes one way of living more worthwhile than another?

I'm curious how other people who identify with nihilism approach these questions. Have you found a way to live without needing an ultimate purpose, or does the absence of one continue to bother you?

if nothing matters anyways why don’t I just be a hedonist and chase euphoric pleasures like drugs and sex etc. wouldn’t that be the best option than nothing anyways? or should I not fall into that trap