Nihilism is the belief that life doesn't have any true meaning, purpose, or value. It became well-known in the 19th century, mainly thanks to Friedrich Nietzsche, who thought it could challenge moral and social norms. But not all nihilism is negative, and there are different ways to see life through this lens.

"Nihilism" is a word that most people have heard but struggle to explain. When they do, it often boils down to something like: "Because nothing really matters, you can do whatever you want." Or even more positively: "Since nothing has a meaning, you can create your own." Many people, especially in the Western world, agree with nihilism's main idea that ultimately, nothing has a true purpose. Though they try to make it somehow positive.

Cheerful nihilism is all about finding happiness in the idea that life doesn't have a set meaning. It encourages people to release the stress caused by societal pressures, the fear of failing, or the pressure to go on a specific path of success and fulfillment. Instead, it suggests that we should savor life for what it is, without looking for a fixed meaning.

In this way of looking, no purpose doesn't lead to a bleak or pessimism. Instead, it offers the freedom to create our own purpose. Even though nihilism can seem negative at first, looking at it with a cheerful attitude can actually be good for mental health.

In this perspective, the absence of a predefined purpose doesn't lead to a bleak or pessimistic outlook. Instead, it offers the freedom to create our own purpose and significance. Even though nihilism can seem negative at first, looking at it with a cheerful attitude can actually benefit mental health.

Firstly, it takes away the pressure and anxiety when trying to meet society's expectations. Instead, it lets you live life on your terms. It also encourages you to be yourself and express who you are. In this way, you get to decide what matters most in your life. Lastly, cheerful nihilism lives on the idea of being mindful and grateful, which can make you feel better mentally, reduce depression and anxiety.

Friedrich Nietzsche, the German philosopher who lived from 1844 to 1900, is sometimes thought of as a troubling figure. While Nietzsche is often linked with nihilism, and he did have a solid grasp of it, in reality, he was far from being a true nihilist. In his own words: "He that speaks here, conversely, has done nothing so far but reflect . . . as the first perfect nihilist of Europe who, however, has even now lived through the whole of nihilism, to the end, leaving it behind, outside himself."

Nietzsche believed that nihilism was bound to happen in history, and looking at our world today, it seems he was mostly right. Nihilism broke through as a result of the falling of Christianity and traditional values.

Just like Jacobi, Kierkegaard, Sartre, and Camus, Nietzsche saw nihilism as a major problem, one of the biggest crises. In simpler terms, Nietzsche didn't like nihilism. His solution was to break down our old values, and then build new values to replace them.

As we deal with the tricky idea of finding meaning, let's not avoid the tough questions brought by nihilism. Instead, let's confront them bravely. We should see that without a set purpose, we have a great chance to build our own paths, fill our lives with significance, and, in the end, discover joy in the act of making our own way in the world. Check out our previous editions on nihilism and how it can be cheerful.