Nietzsche and Nihilism - A Warning to the West

Become a Supporting Member and access 70 videos exclusive to members! - academyofideas.com/members

I was going to comment something about nihilism, but then I decided that it didn't really matter.

I was never religious, but it's becoming increasingly obvious to me that the rise in political polarization on both sides of the spectrum (left and right) has something to do with the rise in atheism and widespread rejection of religion. Interestingly, the older I get, the more I come to see religion in a positive light, even though I was a "proud" atheist when I was younger and always made fun of religious people for believing everything in their life was dictated by an invisible god in the sky. However, the problem is that if humans can't find meaning in life through religion, they will try to find it through something else, and this is precisely what we're experiencing right now. People are flocking to ideology--take "wokeness" for example--as a means to give meaning to their existence. This has resulted in the growing political divide we're presently at grips with.

Nailed Nietzsche. Totally nailed it. From 'Birth of Tragedy' to 'Will to Power', this was always his message: Affirm Life above all. Bravo

"In his illness he dreamt that the entire world had fallen victim to some strange, unheard of and unprecedented plague spreading from the depths of Asia into Europe. Everyone was to perish, apart from a chosen few, a very few. Some new kind of trichinae had appeared, microscopic creatures that lodged themselves in people's bodies. "But these creatures were spirits, gifted with will and intelligence. People who absorbed them into their systems instantly became rabid and insane. But never, never had people considered themselves so intelligent and in unswerving possession of the truth as did those who became infected. Never had they believed so unswervingly in the correctness of their judgements, their scientific deductions, their moral convictions and beliefs." From "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

im not working the next 20 years to cover the pensions of the people who priced me from a home. they are on their own

I think imagining a better world does not necessarily mean wanting a better world or hating the real world. Imagination and imagining great things is an important tool for self development and reflecting. Imagination can be an escape, but also a source of inspiration.

Still my all time favorite YouTube channel. Life-changing content.

Plato, as all the other "true world" believers, saw their present context and somehow knew of a better, perfect one. This is what is obvious and innate. We instinctively know there is better, and obviously see we are not there. C.S. Lewis said it best, "If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”

Hebrews 11:1: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Glad I took the time today. I might never have known I've been a nihilist practically my entire adult life. I do hope, at some point, to find a better, brighter view of the world we share. This has been enlightening. Subscribed.

On that topic The demons by Dostoievsky is just a monumental artwork, and the way it covers nihilism and its propagation, eventhough it stands as a novel, are extremely revelant here I believe.

Brillant! This describes the problems of todays society perfectly

This is hands down one of the best educational channels on YT. Thumbs up!!!

I can relate to a lot of this unfortunately. I’ve been having this bizarre existential crisis recently where I’ve become aware of a lot of my problems but I have to fight the part of me that is scared of change.

Wow this is eye opening. I’m at a loss for words now, grateful to Nietzsche and you for sharing this content in the most engaging clear way possible ❤

You cannot be a nihilist without feeling good about the end of the world, and you cannot feel good about the end of the world unless foreseeing that event somehow puts you above the world. That is how big our egos can get.

Never did I read or see anything about Nietzsche throughout my school years. Makes one think...

One of the best videos I’ve seen summarizing his philosophies and making it easy to comprehend. Really looking forward to the next video!

I'm so glad I understand what content is good. This channel was very helpful in my growth. Heard what I needed to hear at the right time every time. I appreciate it! You are doing good work.