this post was submitted on 18 Oct 2023
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Thought fort the day.
Do you prescribe to a specific philosophy or doctrine?
I'm partial to Optimistic Nihilism.
Optimistic nihilism (ON) is a philosophical perspective that acknowledges the apparent lack of inherent meaning or purpose in the universe, positing that life's significance is not predetermined by external forces or cosmic plans. Instead, it asserts that individuals possess the freedom and autonomy to construct their own sense of meaning through personal exploration, experiences, and relationships. In the face of an indifferent universe, ON suggests that one can find purpose by embracing the impermanence of existence and living authentically, fully engaging with the present moment and making the most of the opportunities life presents. This perspective encourages a proactive and empowered approach to life, inviting individuals to create their own narratives and value systems that resonate with their unique experiences and aspirations.
Optimistic nihilism also contends that the absence of inherent meaning liberates individuals from the burden of conforming to external expectations or prescribed roles. Instead, it invites them to embrace their agency in shaping their own destinies. By recognizing the impermanence of all things, ON encourages a focus on the present and a celebration of life's fleeting moments. This philosophy fosters a deep appreciation for the beauty and richness of human experience, emphasizing the potential for personal growth, self-discovery, and the forging of meaningful connections with others. Ultimately, optimistic nihilism provides a framework for finding purpose in a seemingly indifferent universe, offering a path to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life grounded in individual autonomy and authentic self-expression.
I'm partial to Bill and Ted's.
Similar to Lemmy.nz "don't be a dick"
I used to be a lot more into philosophy but these days I'm basically running on the assumption that the only thing that cares about what we do is us. Also, if there's meaning or purpose in the universe we're probably not smart enough to find it.
I also think that we're nowhere near as clever as we like to think we are. Or as Douglas Adams put it: "...on the planet Earth, man had always assumed that he was more intelligent than dolphins because he had achieved so much—the wheel, New York, wars and so on—whilst all the dolphins had ever done was muck about in the water having a good time. But conversely, the dolphins had always believed that they were far more intelligent than man—for precisely the same reasons."
Good bye, and thanks for all the fish.
I manage with a mix of Humanism, She'll be rightism, and a not so healthy dash of Ooo that looks yummyism
The "she'll be rightism" is prevalent in my house along with "whats the worst that could happenism"
Yep that's my philosophy, but I didn't know it by name.
There's freedom in the meaninglessness.
There is; it does have the slight issue that it puts the responsibility for you action on you, there is no "my beliefs/god/creed" made me do it.
But it also ensures that when you say my family is important to me, it is because it is, not because your belief system says it should be. My community is important; I know this to be true, because I don't need a higher power to cross check with.
An ill-defined mishmash of socialism*, enlightened self-interest, humanism and some trace Christian hang-ups. Basically whatever Star Trek was on about.
*I know, it's a dirty word
Socialism is not a dirty word. I find it a very good system that tries to find balance between capitalism and communism. It is a hard balance to achieve and as with all compromises no one is happy with it.
I don't know what you'd call it. I was raised non-theist and try as I may, my worldview is broadly materialist (not in the sense of being interested in money but in the philosophical sense of believing everything that exists has some basis in material reality) which is a bit of a limitation for me.
I like insights from existentialism, Epicureanism, stoicism, and utilitarianism but am not particularly committed to them as complete philosophical systems.
I'm currently evolving the personal belief that everything in the universe is sacred.
Thanks for the insights. I've been following and reading about stoicism, which seems a bit similar. It also focuses on the here and now, and on what you can and cannot control (which is a lot). Doing the right thing is also an important aspect.
I like stoicism, is was the first philosophy that resonated with me, and still influences my thoughts. But if there is one criticism of stoic philosophy is is that it ignores the effect you have on others.
As you say, doing the right thing is an important aspect, but if something you do hurts someone else stoicism doesn't have a lot to say about it. It is a little self focused for my liking.
Optimistic nihilism folds the best parts of stocism in and adds responsibility for your actions, i.e. if it is important to you not to be thought of as a prick, then treating people well naturally falls from that. It you do something to hurt someone, it is your responsibility to make it right.
Good point about it being self focused.
Think how you describe optimistic nihilism is how I try to live mostly. I don't have a problem saying sorry like many people seem to have, and I am happy to admit when I was wrong. Especially with kids I think that's important. My father never said sorry for anything.
I've been raised Christian, and one core belief of it is to treat others like you want to be treated. I don't like many other things about Christianity though, but that's the one thing I'm sticking with.
I suppose I'm more of a Pessimist, and an Ethical Utilitarian.
Nihilism to me makes sense from a material point of view. But as soon as one puts one's hand on a burning stove - all of the sudden, things get real. And things become too important to ignore.
I could agree that it's ultimately people themselves (and all living creatures) who decide what is meaningful, and what isn't. In that sense, the very baseline of reality is nihilistic. Yet the pursuit of happiness and wellbeing, and the avoidance of unnecessary suffering, seems to be a universal value system that people default to.
Interesting point, the hot stove example... The way I view that is my hand has meaning to me, to damaging it is not high on my list of things to do.
I always thought of it as Absurdism, but I guess it's the same? I learnt about it years ago after reading Albert Camus' The Stranger.
I subscribe to that and Stoicism. Marcus Aurelius' Meditations has helped me in the past. I'm probably due for a reread.
Meditations is a really good read.