Nihilism is a philosophical doctrine that denies the existence of objective values, knowledge, and the meaning of life. The term comes from the Latin word nihil (“nothing”) and reflects the core idea: the absence of fundamental foundations for human existence.
Historical context
The term was used in medieval theology, but in a different sense: to denote heresy that denied the human nature of Jesus Christ. However, the modern understanding of nihilism emerged much later.
Who and when introduced the term in its modern understanding?
The modern understanding of nihilism gained popularity thanks to the Russian writer Ivan Turgenev and his novel “Fathers and Sons” (1862). The main character, Yevgeny Bazarov, became the archetype of a nihilist who rejected any authorities, principles, and traditional values that could not be scientifically proven. His famous phrase: “A nihilist is a person who does not bow to any authorities, who does not accept any principle on faith, no matter how respected that principle may be.”
Thanks to Turgenev, the term quickly entered the vocabulary of the Russian intelligentsia and then spread throughout Europe, becoming a central concept in philosophical discussions.
Nihilism in philosophy: Friedrich Nietzsche
The greatest contribution to the philosophical understanding of nihilism was made by Friedrich Nietzsche. He believed that nihilism is not just a movement, but an inevitable consequence of the decline of Christian morality. Nietzsche proclaimed that “God is dead,” and this meant not only the decline of religious faith but also the destruction of the entire value system that had been built on Christian ideals for centuries.
According to Nietzsche, when humanity loses faith in God and in absolute values, it faces emptiness and absurdity — this is nihilism.
However, Nietzsche did not just state this fact. He believed that overcoming nihilism is possible. He urged people not to sink into despair, but to “re-evaluate all values” and create their own moral principles. His philosophy of the Übermensch is an attempt to find a way out of the nihilistic crisis by encouraging people to become creators of their own meaning in life.
Main ideas and manifestations
In its main forms, nihilism manifests as:
Moral nihilism
Epistemological nihilism
Existential nihilism
Moral nihilism is the position that asserts that there are no objective moral truths or values. This means that no action is “good” or “bad” in itself. Instead, moral rules are simply social constructs or personal views.
Example: A moral nihilist believes that “murder is evil” not because there is a universal law that prohibits it, but because society has agreed to consider it a crime. If another society approved of murder, it would be morally acceptable for them.
Epistemological nihilism denies the possibility of objective knowledge. This doctrine asserts that truth is unattainable. Unlike skepticism, which merely doubts the possibility of knowing the truth, epistemological nihilism categorically states that truth does not exist at all.
Example: For an epistemological nihilist, scientific theories, historical facts, or philosophical ideas are merely temporary, subjective interpretations, not objective truths about the world.
Existential nihilism is the most well-known form of nihilism that denies the meaning of life. This position asserts that the universe has no inherent purpose or meaning, and human life has no higher meaning other than what one creates for oneself.
Example: A person experiencing existential nihilism may ask: “Why should I live? What am I working for? What is the meaning of my suffering?”. The answer would be: “There is no meaning at all.” This state often leads to feelings of apathy, indifference, and despair.
Influence: This form of nihilism is often reflected in art, where characters struggle with the sense of absurdity of existence.
Nihilistic ideas have deeply penetrated modern culture. The denial of the meaning of life, moral values, and authorities has become a powerful source for creativity that explores the human condition in a world without absolute truths.
Cinema and television
Film is perhaps the most vivid example of the influence of nihilism. Many movies and series reflect themes of absurdity and loss of direction.
“Fight Club” (Fight Club, 1999): This film is a true manifesto of nihilism. The main character, who suffers from the absurdity of consumer life, creates an alter ego that rejects all social norms and values. The film shows how the desire for destruction can be a response to existential emptiness.
“True Detective” (True Detective, 2014): The first season of the series, especially through the character of Rust Cohle, speaks directly about nihilism. Rust asserts that all life is merely “the repetition of the same,” and that the only way to cope with this is to accept the absence of meaning.
Antiheroes: Many modern antiheroes (e.g., the Joker) act based on nihilistic beliefs that society is a lie and morality is a fiction. Their actions are often aimed at exposing this “lie.”
Literature
Nihilism began to influence literature since the times of Ivan Turgenev. This movement has produced many works that explore emptiness and absurdity.
Albert Camus and existentialism:
Camus was not a nihilist, but his philosophy of the absurd was a response to the nihilistic crisis. In the novels “The Stranger” and “The Myth of Sisyphus,” he shows the absurdity of existence but suggests finding meaning in rebellion against it.
Charles Bukowski
Bukowski's works are permeated with nihilism. His characters, alcoholics and failures, live in a world where there is no meaning, and the only way to survive is simply to continue existing.
Music
Nihilistic ideas are often expressed in musical genres that deny social norms.
Punk rock
The punk rock movement with its slogans “No Future” is a classic example of musical nihilism. It rejected commercial music, social rules, and any hope for a better future.
Metal and grunge
In genres such as doom metal or grunge, lyrics often reflect hopelessness, disappointment, and lack of meaning, reflecting nihilistic moods.
Nihilism in culture is a way to explore the limits of human consciousness, morality, and meaning in a rapidly changing modern world.
Manifestations of nihilism in Ukrainian culture
In Ukrainian culture, nihilism was not an independent movement, but its motifs were traced during social crises and disappointments.
Literature
Nihilistic motifs can be traced in Ukrainian literature in works that criticize old ideals and seek new meaning.
Mykola Khvylovy
He cannot be called a nihilist in the full sense, but Khvylovy's works reflected disappointment in revolutionary ideals and the search for new paths. In his stories, one can see the denial of old values and illusions, leading to a deep existential crisis.
“Executed Renaissance”
This period of Ukrainian literature was filled with tragic nihilism, when artists, having lost faith in socialist ideals, faced a harsh reality. Their creativity reflects disappointment, hopelessness, and a sense of complete collapse.
Modern literature
After the collapse of the USSR, many authors, such as Yuriy Andrukhovych and Serhiy Zhadan, explored themes of identity loss and disappointment in previously dominant ideas. Their works reflect a rethinking of values and the search for a new foundation for existence.
Cinema
In Ukrainian cinema, nihilistic motifs are often associated with the consequences of historical traumas that led to disappointment.
Soviet films
In some films that were released “under the counter,” one could see a hidden critique of Soviet idealism. Directors like Serhiy Paradzhanov used surrealism and allegories to show the absurdity and meaninglessness of the reality that surrounded them.
Modern cinema
After 1991, Ukrainian cinema began to openly explore nihilistic moods. Films that tell about everyday life without pathos often depict feelings of absurdity and loss of direction. Films by Kira Muratova, for example, focus on the absurdity of human existence.
Creativity and music
Andriy Kuzmenko (Skryabin)
In his work, disappointment in society is often traced, with a critical view of banality and meaninglessness. His songs, which often have a sarcastic and pessimistic nature, reflect feelings of apathy and hopelessness characteristic of a nihilistic worldview.
Underground performers
Many bands in punk, metal, or electronic music use lyrics that deny social norms, power, and ideals, thus expressing their protest and disappointment.
Overall, Ukrainian nihilism is rather not a philosophical movement, but a reaction to historical circumstances. It is a response to social traumas and the loss of faith in ideals that once seemed unshakeable.
