Existentialism and Nihilism are philosophical schools of thought that share some similarities, which often leads to confusion between the two. However, they are distinct ideologies with several key differences.
Key Takeaways
- Nihilism is characterized as a belief in nothing, rejecting the notion of a meaningful purpose in life, while Existentialism emphasizes individual actions and choices to create meaning in life.
- Existentialism believes in the present moment, whereas Nihilism is based on a lack of faith in anything.
- Nihilism rejects universal truths and often advocates for the rejection of social constructs, while Existentialism encourages individuals to create their own meaning through actions and choices.
Understanding Nihilism
Nihilism is often misunderstood as a belief in nothing. A more accurate interpretation would be to view it as the rejection of beliefs and values, as they are seen to serve no real purpose. The term “nihilism” is derived from the word “nihil,” meaning “nil.” Nihilism does not agree with the concept of a final purpose or outcome, suggesting that life has no meaningful purpose. It is more accurate to describe Nihilism as having faith in nothing rather than believing in nothing. For example, a Nihilist may not necessarily deny the existence of God, but instead, argue that the existence of God is nearly impossible to prove, leading to a lack of confidence in the idea.
Understanding Existentialism
Existentialists believe that individuals are not defined by their beliefs, but rather by their actions. Despite the inherent uncertainty and lack of meaning in life, Existentialism emphasizes personal freedom and responsibility in creating meaning. This philosophy is often seen as pessimistic, as it acknowledges the uncertainty of life and the future. However, it also encourages individuals to carve their own meaning out of their lives, making them products of their choices and actions instead of victims of their circumstances.
Comparing Existentialism and Nihilism
Existentialism focuses on the present moment and the importance of individual actions in creating meaning, while Nihilism is centered around a lack of faith in anything and the rejection of universal truths. Nihilism originated in early 19th-century Russia as a revolt against the existing social structure, advocating for the rejection of social constructs. On the other hand, Existentialism, while also rejecting the idea of inherent meaning in life, emphasizes the role of individual actions and choices in shaping one’s existence.
