Nihilism and its Cultural Implications Part V

By Sean Beelzebul

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We now move to a broader understanding of nihilism as a whole. Nihilism must be seen as a psychological malady, a disease of the mind. Instead of bring hope and happiness hidden nihilism brings unending torment and hate. Instead of bringing freedom and grace, overt forms of nihilism only imprison the individual more. Nihilism in all its varieties is a psychological affliction.

Nihilism can be broken up into two main categories "active and passive.

Active nihilism consists of open displays of hostility towards others. This active force of hatred and despair is that which motivates men to kill one another, to steal from one another, to treat the other as worthless. Active nihilism is openly embracing an ideology of hate and shame whether hidden or not. Some examples of active nihilism: 1) Christian soldiers and atheist masterminds in Nazi Germany. 2) Japanese State-Shinto Infantry in WWII 3) Mongolian conquerors in Feudal China. 4) Modern day Evangelical Christians who promote doctrines of war and the end of the world. Yes indeed, this form of nihilism is fierce and pugnacious, outwardly destructive.

Passive nihilism on the other hand, is far more peaceful, far more reactive. This is the force which passively eats away at one`s own nature without directly harming others. The great ascetics, and pacifists, these nihilists are often but not necessary of the hidden variety. This form of nihilism is internally destructive, as opposed to the active force. Some examples are:  1) Buddhism as a strictly monastic discipline. 2) Taoism when separated from Confucian piety. 3) The Christian saints of antiquity who masochistically flagellated, starved, or otherwise abused themselves.

As you can see, nihilism is everywhere! It infects regardless of race, gender, creed, or mentality. It is found in many cultures throughout the world. Often times it is a result of denatured morality, values and other problems with society. In the next installment we will discuss this devolution in society which creates nihilism in the first place."

Nihilism and its Cultural Implications Part IV

Nihilism and its Cultural Implications Part III

Nihilism and its Cultural Implications Part II

Nihilism and its Cultural Implications part I

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