Nihilism

Brianna Johnson

13 November 2013

What is Nihilism?

What is the belief that traditional beliefs, morals, and ideas have no worth or value? That is what one would call taking a nihilistic approach to life. It is often the belief that life is per say “meaningless”. After reading “Nihilism in Black America” by Cornel West, I was enlightened on how prevalent nihilism is in the black community and in society in general. Many would say that blacks are oppressed in a way but if both hope and meaning are preserved, there is a possibility to overcome that oppression. Nihilism involves hopelessness but, “…without hope there can be no future” and the betterment of the black community is what majority want to strive for. The reason behind various people taking the nihilistic approach to life is because they have no faith. This philosophical belief is said to be a “disease of the soul”. It is not possible to be completely cured due to the simple fact that there is always a possibility of one relapsing. If a person believes and has faith that there is hope for the future and that there is a meaning to life, there will then be a possibility for conversion. Nihilism has to be taken care of by one’s self and by the help of others. Many have these beliefs because they haven’t received love and care from those surrounding them. One must first realize one’s self worth and then receive the concern from others.