nihilist
What does "nihilist" mean?
A nihilist is a person who believes that life is meaningless and that traditional moral, religious, or social principles are baseless. The mental image is of someone staring into a vast, empty void, realizing that because nothing inherently matters, the structures society builds are just arbitrary constructs. In usage, the term is often applied to people who reject established authority or moral codes, though it can also describe someone who adopts a "nothing matters" attitude toward personal struggles. While it can sound philosophical and profound, it is sometimes used pejoratively to describe someone who is cynical or lacks empathy for societal norms.
"nihilist" in conversation
Debating life goals
I just don't see the point in chasing a promotion if we're all just cosmic dust anyway.
I just don't see the point in chasing a promotion if we're all just cosmic dust anyway.
You sound like a total nihilist today!
You sound like a total nihilist today!
Used to describe a cynical outlook on career ambitions.
Discussing philosophy
Nietzsche is often misunderstood as a pure nihilist.
Nietzsche is often misunderstood as a pure nihilist.
Isn't he the one who argued we have to create our own meaning instead?
Isn't he the one who argued we have to create our own meaning instead?
Refers to the philosophical roots of the term.
"nihilist" in a sentence
He acts like a nihilist who doesn't care about the consequences of his actions.
He acts like a nihilist who doesn't care about the consequences of his actions.
The character in the novel adopts a nihilist worldview after losing everything he loved.
The character in the novel adopts a nihilist worldview after losing everything he loved.
Some critics argue that extreme nihilist thought can lead to the erosion of essential societal cooperation.
Some critics argue that extreme nihilist thought can lead to the erosion of essential societal cooperation.
