Nihilism

Most people ask “What is the meaning of life?” like there’s a hidden answer waiting somewhere. Philosophy has bad news: there probably isn’t one. At least not the kind you’re looking for. No cosmic purpose written into the universe. No instruction manual. No predetermined reason you exist. This sounds depressing. It’s actually liberating. Think about it this way. If life had one true meaning — handed down by God or built into nature — you’d have no choice about it....

Nihilism gets a bad reputation. People hear “life has no meaning” and picture someone in a black hoodie saying nothing matters while staring at the void. That’s not what nihilism actually claims. Nihilism says life has no inherent meaning. No cosmic purpose handed down from above. No predetermined plan you’re supposed to follow. The universe didn’t create you for a reason. But nihilists don’t stop there. Most of them ask: so what now?...