key sentence "who cares about the meaning, the meaning will come and take care of itself later" aweseome!!! Thank you, Frank, this is really helpful to me!!!! Thanks!!!!!
You are such a deep, philosophical, authentic, self-aware, mindful, and articulate individual. Thank you immensely for all your videos. They bring me life.
My father taught me growing up, “Everything is empty and meaningless. The fact that everything is empty and meaningless is also empty and meaningless. What does that mean?” And I’d harp in, “We get to have our own meaning!” That really helped. What’s meaningful to me is doing things - sometimes good things, sometimes pants things, sometimes things my friends rave about or don’t. I’m fairly amused that my coping mechanism to Instant Nihilism (which I am susceptible to sometimes) is “nihilism is meaningless”, grinning to myself & carrying on. Cheers for the video!
I thinks that’s very cool. It’s almost zen philosophy, to go beyond the dogma and meaning we ascribe stuff, to come out the other side and to enjoy the meanings for the game that it is, and to be totally at ease with life as a result. Cool :P
"What does it get you to think this way?" Good question. Sometimes it gets me frustrated. But most of the time it helps me to let go of anything I thought I was supposed to be. Nihilism can be freeing. My mind goes, "This is pointless. So I should dive in head first because it doesn't matter!" Dangerous? I don't know. But what holds people back from growth is the fear of leaving their comfort zones. If thinking this way is what it takes for me to keep growing, I welcome it. Who cares about other people? I love admiring the work of other people. But I would never want to take someone else's path to find my own success. Whatever success even is.
Guess the philosophers are still in the same predicament. "All I know, is I know nothing." The irony of history, Repetition, patterns. Finding meaning in our lives is what makes it worth living. In your own words, "stay cool and attractive".
THIS. I found this video way to late man. Let me explain. I'm 19 years old, and serving in the military in January. I finished high school in august 2018. An opportunity presented itself for me to go work at a factory from september - january (scince im serving from then). Obviously, as an INFJ labor is not at all rewarding to me, but it really felt like an opportunity to challenge myself, learn some new things and obviously make some money. It felt like a really responsible thing to do. In conjunction to the new work, i had to move to a house and live alone, since the factory is a bit out on the countryside (It was my granddads house, so i lived there cheap). So i went from living with my aunt, who cooked and cleaned while i really only focused on writing music- to having full responsibility for myself. Also knowing the military was up next, made me take sleep, food and excersize very seriously. I was giving it my ALL. And just a couple a days in, i get hit with this wave of INTENSE nihilism. Out of nowhere. "Why the hell was i doing all of this, when nothing ever have, does, or will matter." Every positive emotion became negative, since it represented the sad truth that even good doesn't matter. I've experienced it a bit before, but this was something COMPLETELY different. One day i walked around the factory crying because i couldn't hold it back. It was just indescribably intense. It was on my mind 24/7. And then, suddenly, as abrubtly as it had came, after about a month, it was just gone. Its difficult to put into words all the thoughts and feelings surrounding the episode.. Hope this was put in an understandable way, english is my second language and im kinda tired:p
“Who doesn’t like a long train ride?” Exactly. It’s all about the journey. I know where I want to end up (at least for now) and I’m working towards it, even if that goal changes into something completely different. At least I learned and experienced a lot while it lasted. And I deliberately try not to give any f’s as to what other people do.
An anecdote, because it reminded me of your channel - So I’m teaching a section of sixth-grade writing this year, which is terrifying in and of itself, because they’re so darn little. We’re starting with personal narratives about a time they learned a lesson, and I asked them to brainstorm topics. One girl says “animals,” to which this adorably small boy replies, “Yeah. You could talk about when your pet dies, and then you realize everything dies, and then you get all existential.” God damn. Like...a) how does this literal child even know the word “existential,” and b) can we lighten up a bit, kids? 😂 I think I may have a baby INFJ on my hands.
Frank James I mostly teach 8th, so here’s to hoping I have him again in 2 years. Kid will probably be a full-blown “God is dead” nihilist by then, and I gotta see that. 😂
You hit my feels on the head here. A lot of times I can feel hopeful, but then, yeah, that whole "Nothing I do matters" thing jumps in. It's a de-motivator but also a pressure-reliever in some ways. If you fail at something, it doesn't matter. If you don't become successful in life, it doesn't matter. I mean even the big history figures that everybody knows, the celebrities even, don't really matter in the end. The end-end. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't still do what you want to do. Life is meant to be lived and enjoyed in my eyes. Just because you feel like you may not do as well or it feels impossible to get to a certain level someone else is, that feeling of meaningless can also be a little bit helpful in some ways. Hear me out. If you feel like it's meaningless, then everything is meaningless. That person's success is also meaningless, and therefore why not give it a shot anyway? If it's all meaningless, then it doesn't matter what the outcome is. It's the experience of trying, of doing so, and, hey, maybe you'll be successful in it! It's the pressure that is wrecking people trying to get successful I think. They feel like there's no point in even trying because it seems impossible. But lowering the expectations, not putting so much pressure on yourself can really help. It can let you at least feel the freedom to at least try, and in many cases you CAN become what you want. Just don't expect it to happen overnight. There's a movie that helped me a lot, but it's directed by a controversial, hated by many now man, but it helped me out of a huge funk because in the movie he was going through a similar issue I've always gone through. The movie is "Hannah and Her Sisters," directed by Woody Allen. *Spoilers for this movie if people haven't seen it, but it's an old movie* I was Woody's character in that movie. He was such a hypochrondriac and felt constantly scared of that ultimate diagnosis of something terminal. Well, it sort of happens for him, they find a spot on a brain scan, and he automatically assumes he's dying. Well, long story short, he's not. It was a blip in the scan. He's elated for like a second. Oh, I'm not dying! But then the realization hits: one day he's going to be faced with that ultimate doom, that diagnosis or just happening that ultimately leads to his ultimate fear: death. It depresses him, causes him to question the meaning of life. He looks all over the place to find meaning: all different religions, philosophies etc. Nothing helps him. He almost commits suicide because he just could not find the meaning and didn't want to wait for that ultimate diagnosis, the unknowing. He points a shotgun at his head readying to kill himself, but he's so nervous he's sweating. The sweat ultimately causes the gun to slip off of his head and when he pulls the trigger, it misses him entirely. Because of this, he feels maybe he does have a reason to be alive, that this happened for a reason. So, he goes out to a comedy film, a Groucho Marx movie. He sees everyone happy and smiling and just enjoying life in the movie, and he finally realizes... life is to enjoy, to experience while we're here. Meaningless or not, it's the ride. Do everything you want in life because you are only here for the moment. If you don't make it where you want to, eh, you tried, but all in all we end up in the same place. I've known too many people who have not even tried based on their fear of not making it in life. That really helped me. I was in a horrible depression at the time that I watched this movie, and I was like almost screaming at the screen while watching this, like THIS IS ME, THIS IS 100% ME. It helped me overcome a lot of my existential crises (though it's apparent I'm still messed up and feel nihilistic a lot, but I'm not suicidal over it). I do still strive to find some meaning other than just existing, but really it depends on my mood whether or not I'm going to feel depressed over it or just look at life as an experience we get to have. I'm gonna now rewatch your video again to see if anything I just said has anything to do with it. I go off on tangents, and I'm sorry.
I love how your comment reads exactly how I could have written it! I've been through the same train of thoughts , my enjoyment of life even got pretty far at one point. I'm just wanting to share with you that I did find God, or God found me? One or the other.. ha ha But I wouldn't give up on finding God yet. I tell everyone the smae thing, don't use your brain to get to God... Making Him be proven to you first. Pray. Communicate with whatever is there. He will answer! Just keep asking for truth and that He lead you to the truth. I hope this helps
When every day for years became meaningless for me, I finally decided that I wanted to live a life of meaning. I took steps to live as my most authentic self. It is extremely hard work for me but worth it beyond measure. I pursue only those things that have deep meaning or desire for me. The things that I always wished I would do. Still working on more but happy also with what I currently do. Examples: volunteering, yoga, meditation, tai chi, having creative hobbies, living/creating with idealistic vision, trying to love unconditionally myself and others,and surrounding myself with positive action orientated people. The examples are small but strongly connect me to what feels meaningful to me.
You’re awesome. I love how you convey so much without spelling out every little detail. You doing videos helps me feel not alone in the “why am I here besides going to a job I hate for 19 years and they are closing the doors....surprise!” Thanks for what you do Dr. Frank.
Thank you for this, in a way it's very motivating to just say go after your dreams instead of feeling like everything is futile. I think the older you get the more nihilistic you may become, as the verdant fields of youth begin to dissipate in your mind. Dreams are replaced by realities and it becomes more of an arduous task with each passing year to try and delude yourself. I like your analogy of being invited to the party, you just haven't arrived yet, that's a more sanguine outlook on life. You also made a favorable point in saying that we should bring every thought captive, no matter how difficult it may be, because we may in fact be believing a lie that is causing us to feel that way. The chemical reaction is a byproduct of your thought life and in a way that brings some sense of relief in being able to exhibit an element of control in your own mind. As Descartes so famously said, I think therefore I am, never rang so true, at least in my life. The life of a writer can be a lonely life which may lend itself to bouts of questioning existence. Some of the most prolific writers such as Hemingway could not take the pain of existence and consequently took their own lives. Pain in some anomalous way helps us to know were alive, unless it becomes chronically debilitating. It can get to a point in life if you've felt that pain either emotionally or physically for so long that it becomes your whole identity, your life is placed on hold. If you do heal I think you can actually go through the stages as if it were a death, because you lost so much of your life suffering that now you are free you lament the wasted time. There is a desire to make meaning of all the agony, to know that it was not all in vain and that perhaps someone can find solace in their own existence from knowing the plight that you endured. It doesn't take the sting away from all those years of distress, but it can bring a sense of purpose into a seemingly senseless world.
Gotcha on this. I dip into these moments for sure. I think dipping into these moments of nihilism at times shows that we are reflecting on our current situations and questioning where we are where we been and where were going so I totally get this thanks
Hi James!!! I dont know if you will see this in the vast ocean of comments, but i just found a chic named Candace van Dell and her youtube Chanel has opened my eyes. She talks about highly sensitive people and how to heal. Very relatable for INFJ's.
Good phrase. Especially for the date. 17 years ago we all experienced instant nihilism. On 9-11 I remember asking myself the reason why we do what we do if everything can be turned to rumble. But that was the goal of people who hate, to stop us in our tracks and kill the promise in each of us. We turned it around and saw the value in life and began to help one another with what little we could do until we could do more. In a career (like acting or writing or anything)- do what you can do until you are in a better position to do more. Practice and experience build talent. :) Everyone has moments of discouragement and disorientation. "What's the point" is a thought process leading to depression. I made a decision when I was a child that I would do everything I could to help others using my skills and if I hit a wall and become limited in what I can do creatively or to help others, I WILL DO EVERYTHING I CAN AND THAT WILL BE ENOUGH. As a professional I have seen many times when I did everything I could and the client continued to make their poor decisions and it went south. I had to accept that not everything is in my control to avoid repetitive compassion fatigue. Wow how could I compare Judy Garland with Barbra Streisand? Both excellent but very different. Apples and oranges. If I only have one day before the end, I would be using that one day to helps others, maybe those closest to me. I like your thought about being a member of the talented party who has not yet been recognized. I liked the comment in the Thomas Crowne Affair (newer version) If a guy steals a few swirls of paint but I put a child molester away, maybe I am doing alright.
Yes! This happens to me all the time in my side creative endeavors. I think my trigger is when I tell someone else about what I’m working on. They show interest, but I feel immediately intimidated and usually fall into a nihilistic state and kill the project.
Thank you so much for this. You are so wise for one so young. I wish I understood at your age what I am now at nearly fifty learning from you. Lucky to be married to an INTP (lovely, lovely man) who can put things in perspective for me when I have these thoughts. I am a writer and halfway through a new manuscript, I will hit a wall of what you call "instant nihilism" (Excellent description by the way) If people do not even hear me when I speak to them face-to-face, let alone understand what I am trying to say, why would they read my books? Strangely they do. That is where my husband always helps me through by saying that as long as I have fun writing the story, the rest does not matter so much. Really, you have opened a whole world of understanding for me.
I have learned that often it is about the journey, not the destination. We learn and grow as we go, we help others, we find meaning, we make mistakes, we apply new knowledge, etc. Some journeys take longer than others. Some leave you exhausted, some leave you exhilarated.
Was just thinking about this today. Watched a Nietzsche documentary this morning and found it very interesting. Especially his prediction of ‘last men’ which is a scarily sobering descriptor of modern life. Not sure if I’m a total nihilist, but somehow I find comfort that I can just put a pause on losing myself in meanings where there isn’t any. It’s hard to put into words. Great thoughts, great vlog, FJ :D
Excellent essay. In order to get anywhere, we have to have a vision of what that “anywhere” is. With that, we can see the people and forces around us who will help make it happen (along with of our dedication and hard work). Regarding nihilism, it’s sort of a fools path, isn’t it? It’s the epitome of self defeat. Life is either completely meaningless... or the point and meaning is to get all of the joy out of life you can and experience all of the love you can give and receive.
For me it happens when it comes to me for the umpteenth time that I've excelled at everything I've tried and helped people succeed at their goals, but right now all I'm doing is struggling to make ends meet, and all I see is that pointless atruggle for the rest of my life. That's when I feel that life is like death. The world matters and everything in it, except me. Bummer. It passes if I can let myself stop worrying - nothing changes, but at least it doesn't pain me so badly. This morning I remembered, 'The oxen are slow, but the earth is patient.' :)
I am a person who has an inner sense of meaning and purpose. I can't speak for everyone, but I know myself. I don't have a long list of goals. My needs and wants in life are very simple and rather practical and purposeful. I think being content means being aware of reality, purpose and the true things of life on which we focus. Scattering ourselves, our energies and our thoughts in every direction can give us confusion, distraction, aimlessness. If we know who we are, where we want to be and what we aim to do, no obstacles seem that heavy. I dont really ever look toward others to make sure i am going the right direction or doing well. I have an inner compass and my own principles that I live by. They are time tested and reliable. No one has the same circumstances, obstacles, blessings, gifts, talents and abilities. We all have to do the best we can with where we are and with what we have.
Thanks Frank! I needed that. I get random bits of this and its incredibly depressing. They only come rarely cause i repress it very much. Its confusing cause its like ok wtf do i do with this feeling now?? Now i know. Thank you for being so vulnerable all the time with us
Good Morning! Glad to see a new video. Yesterday felt a little empty without one. 😊 Nihilism happens to me too. I think it makes it so I never become overly obsessed with things. I do still believe we all have intrinsic meaning. 🤗 Super strange that you mentioned a long train ride because I was planning one last night! From the west to east! It’ll take a few days and I really want to do it! Hope to see a new video soon!
Frank, this video could not have come at a better time for me. Instant nihilism..that has been my struggle since recently graduating college. I loved when you said “forget about the meaning..the meaning will take care of itself.” That has been my problem trying to figure out a career path/working on creative endeavors. I’m so glad someone resonates with this feeling..I have tried to explain this feeling to my close friends/family, and no one quite understood..I think it might be an INFJ thing.. ;) who knows haha. I also really like your mindset about feeling inadequate to those further along in your career field than you. Viewing myself as a peer of the professionals in my field, rather than below them...I really like that.I love this video, it seriously came at the perfect time for me
I become a nihilistic poet at least once a year, I crash, I burn, I pause for a day or two and then without all that clutter I get fresh clarity, I see again and remind myself of daily goals and the important stuff...like odd socks, poetry...my poetry not theirs, butterflies and shiny things!! :)
Nihilism is me every day. Especially when I see where I am vs where I wanna be. But I just keep reminding myself that I'm an INTJ with a vision, and one day the horizontal line on the graph of my life is going to be a sharp vertical one when all my years of calculated planning finally become swift and flawless execution. And actually, a little nihilism is good once in a while. It helps me drop the extra baggage that really is meaningless, and refocus on my priorities.
"....I do believe in the power of manifestation...but I don't believe that any of it matters. This mattering is, to me, a human construct, born out of the same need to have deities and things like that...."-Jim Carrey. Pretty much sums up my thoughts on it, really. I no longer view nihilism as a "belief," anymore, basically because I think it's reality. The truth, more or less. Viewing it as either a positive or negative thing is the belief. And, like all things, that comes from the mind, your thoughts, the "show" constantly running inside your head. Stepping out of it regularly has really helped me no longer view nihilism as bad, or even as a problem. It just is. We're the ones who have to change, I think. To make ourselves become more aligned with what is. But, that's just me..... :)
Your topics are always incredibly interesting and your exploration of them is so insightful. Keep up the excellent work! PS: I cannot wait for your next podcast. :D
This actually did help... I’ve been stuck in a perpetual bout of nihilism. I need to finish my book too actually, I have to just do it and stop comparing myself to my favourite writers, or lyricists or etc.
I am very relieved that I still have time to become a famous author :) It's still seven years. You're right. You shouldn't write a book with the goal to publish it, but you always should have a "cause" or message while writing it. it strengths your belief's in yourself and your perseverance.
I deal with these types of thoughts quite frequently, but most of the time I just ignore it. It’s not about will power or overthinking it (with me), but it’s knowing that if I cater those thoughts I will fall back into my depression. Most of the time I just push myself to do what I need to do and eventually those terrible thoughts are minimized. No matter what you believe, you have to agree that we matter. Our presence, words and actions (however great or small) make an impact on everything and everyone, positively or negatively. I think to fall into those bad thoughts means that we have lost this perspective. PS: if you are currently feeling this way, please know that you do matter and there is always room for things to get better. If these thoughts are severely affecting your life, please contact a specialist. Your life is a gift to humanity and you are capable of great things! Love, A. Calamity
Awesome video FJ, Instant Nihilism has been hitting me pretty recently, I just didn’t have a term for it. This random speal from internet rando was just what I needed today👍🏻 Keep on rocking bro🤘🏻
I have been wanting to write an autobiography and try to start a TH-cam channel and this was oddly inspirational towards that! Thankyou! Thanks for always making me chuckle too... 😀
I never struggled so much with thinking what I did was meaningless as much as feeling that others thought what I was doing was. But I myself believed enough in what I was doing that it carried me through that. Their disbelief looking back was a catalyst too. They always seeked to compare me to some invisible yardstick written in a book of rules I didn't seem to get a copy of. I think I was standing in the wrong line that day. It's the danger of one story. And comparison is the thief of joy. It's great to have mentors and people we look up to. But in the end, our story will be uniquely ours. I personally wouldn't want it any other way.
Heather, Don't worry I'm more than satisfied with my life. I respect your beliefs but just because I don't share them doesn't mean it's because I don't understand life. The meaning people give to life is very personal.
Life IS meaningless and in that fact I find great comfort. If it has no meaning , then there is no wrong path or way of living it. Choose what you want to experience the best you can and pursue it, enjoying each moment for what it is. Life truly is about the process! It’s about enjoying the meaninglessness of each moment, until it ceases to exist. It also, in my mind, helps to ease suffering to some extent knowing that it doesn’t make one any less of a person to have experienced something, it just is what it is. No meaning = no need to hold on to fear and negativity if it doesn’t serve you. You could also take that negative experience and educate or help others. The point being, you get to decide what you do with your experiences, because it doesn’t really matter which way you live, just that you DO IT!
There’s nothing like waking up to instant nihilism in your cup. Wasn’t Donna Tartt like, 19 or 20 when she wrote the first draft of The Secret History? That blows my mind. 😅 I wanted to be her in high school, man. Sadly though, my parents wouldn’t let me go to Bennington College and live out my dreams of engaging in bacchanalia and murder cover-ups. 😥 I like to think what I’m doing has meaning, especially now that I’m teaching younger kids, because they need more guidance and help than my high schoolers did. That said, I had to give a detention yesterday to a kid who yelled out dick jokes in the middle of class, and my students have taken to calling me “Miss Lasagna” because my last name is Italian and has a silent g in it, so my faith and patience is clearly tested on the daily. 😅 Maybe if I’d gone to Bennington like Donna Tartt, I coulda been somebody. Instead, I get to be Miss Lasagna.
@@hollyp.8849 Whenever I get annoyed at my dad for teasing me, he says, "It means I love you. Would you prefer it if I ignored you?" And I often hear that the opposite of love isn't hatred but indifference.
We should have to have a vision or ultimate goal to achieve before dying... When I feel meaningless I convince myself by saying that everything I am doing whether right or wrong is part of the bigger plan. This helps me to get remotivated when I am not.
Ha! TH-cam reads my mind I think, except it's always a day late. Felt very nihilistic yesterday, but was able to pull myself out of it. Then this video pops on my feed. Ironically, the really meaningless thing is the thoughts our brains conjure. But I think it's absolutely normal for all of us to feel this way from time to time. It's our spirituality, looking for answers. I hope you get to complete your book if you haven't already, and if you still want to. 😊☮️
Every sucsefull person has to push, push... push till you drop over. and have to stagger to bed. No matter how easy something seems, it's never as easy as it seems. "The more I know, the more I find what I don't know." - Albert Eienstien -
I've never experienced much nihilism that I can remember. Everything is so saturated in meaning and purpose 100% of the time that it is actually overwhelming to me sometimes lol. My own bad feels often stem from guilt for not staying on track in a spiritual sense. The Bible has taught me what true success is, but I don't always practice what I preach. But yes MEANING IS EVERYWHERE!!! In the most infinitesimal of things. Nothing was created without a purpose...and NOTHING is truly simple. Because God did it all, and his ways are higher than our ways, so we can't even fully comprehend how much meaning and complexity is around us...on this earth... and beyond it. It's exhilarating to think about that. King Solomon felt the way you have described, and he was extremely wealthy and successful! (in the way the world views success.) He said: "So I came to hate life, because everything being done under the sun seemed distressing to me, for everything was futile, a chasing after the wind." (Ecc. 2:17) He had EVERYTHING(in a secular sense), and probably many people were jealous of him. He found that purpose, meaning, and happiness comes from serving God. "To the man who pleases him he gives wisdom and knowledge and rejoicing"(Ecc. 2:26) And he saw that human relationships are more important than material success. "There is a man who is all alone, without any companion; he has no son or brother, but there is no end to all his hard work. His eyes are never satisfied with riches. But does he ask himself, ‘For whom am I working hard and depriving myself of good things’? This too is futility and a miserable occupation."(Ecc. 4:8)(4:8-12 is definitely worth reading for this bit of knowledge.) Man, Ecclesiastes is good stuff. It talks about materialism, big dreams that keep people awake at night, and feeling discontented/nihilistic. It brings out the importance of worship and enjoying simple things. There ya go. Lots of Bible stuff. 😄❤️
Brittany S Very true. I got myself a certificate in Bible and Bible related things about a year before I came here for my degree. I wanted a grounding of sorts before I undertook this. My grandfather knew the Bible so well and I remember him not really studying it so much as kind of reading it like a beloved novel over and over. He was a simple farmer with a grade 6 education, but he sure knew his stuff! His non judgmental kindness and patience is something I've rarely seen in others to his extent. Part of it was just his personality, but he had an unbreakable faith and closeness to God too that I can only seem to be able to scratch the surface of. Yet my faith also has grown so much he last several years! Because I've seen Him bring me through things I never thought I'd get through. And that continues to grow me and my faith.
Hey Melanie. Didn't think I would have time/energy for a thoughtful response today, so I left you a cop-out one hahaha. I had a long therapy sesh today. But here I am for 2nd reply. I am unfortunately not the greatest example of a christian right now, and I am representing Gods name:/ ...but I strive to be better so I will be a great example in the future. It's such a blessing to have those pillars in our life that set a good example by truly acting on their faith. The bible tells us that "faith without works is dead". It sounds like grandpa was applying what he learned in his behaviors. My mom is that inspiration for me. I couldn't ask for a better example of kindness, courage, and reliance on God. I want to be more like her, and the thing is we do become more like those in our immediate circle. Even just thinking about the good influences we have, or have had, in our lives has a positive effect. It's almost like all the people that have affected us deeply become part of our inner voice, for good or for bad. The truly decent human beings we come across can quiet the echos of those who have been a source of toxicity in the past. I understand what you mean, in my own way, about hard times being what strengthen faith. My conviction has been enhanced greatly each time I have been through troublesome events that felt almost impossible to endure.:)
Brittany S Oh that's ok, no worries ☺ I know therapy can be very cathartic yet extremely draining/gutting at the same time. Hope it's going ok for you. I've had some bad councilling experiences, so here's hoping you've got yourself a good one. My walk with God is a work in progress too so I identify. I accepted Him young then fell away. I've spend the last few years coming back into alignment with how I'd like to see my walk going, then working towards that. Yes by trials we grow. You have obviously had your share, yet you are not bitter and that is great. Faith to faith glory to glory. My Grandpa has been gone since 1991, but yes his legacy lives on in my heart and memory. He sure was a true example of a non hypocrite. I hold that dear.
Would like to see that book done... Don't worry about grasping the whole world... It's around 🍏 Personally, I need or I think/ feel I need a lot( and what is it sometimes I don't know myself)to start doing things, doing more creative stuff... Maybe to believe in betterness, . Wish you all the best 💌🐱🍀😘
Thank you Frank for this video! I've been feeling quite miserable lately and thinking how life doesn't make any sense. Even though I believe in God (I'm a Christian) I can't help but think that this life is so random. I mean, you are born, then you go to school and study, then you work, you get married and start your own family, you work some more and then you die. This life here sounds boring to me, but I'm glad I'm not the only INFJ that feels this way. This type of nihilism always hits me out of the blue, when I'm lonely or when I'm traveling.
I honestly believe the only meaning that matters is our own experience. We are here to experience. The experience is to add our perspective to the collective and that in it self is worth it
Also read the book of ecclesiastes. I think you'll find that the author, king Solomon was a nihilist but found purpose at the end of it. We are all vapor, this life, this world, even wisdom is all meaningless BUT we have been given this life and these days to work, enjoy, and live in creation. This world is not all there is and really serves only as a blip in the history of eternity
You are not the only joker it happens to. And you are right, your particular path will be unique, there is no "formula" for success. Yes, it IS all pointless, AND we must forget that in order to move on and find happiness and fulfillment in our lives. Take it one step at a time. Do what you can. Don't give up. You DO make an impact, and we ALL can, if we want to....even if it's on a tiny little scale. Love the people around you, and you will find peace.
Why do we park in a driveway and drive on the parkway? 🎶 "The closer you get to the meaning, The sooner you'll know that you're dreaming"🎶 Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell
Everything has meaning but what meaning depends upon ones own perception and reality. It’s all realative. You’ve got to make your own opportunities according to your own beliefs. There’s no right or wrong, it’s all subjective. Having both faith and integrity will see you through. You’ve got to believe in what you’re doing is right and ‘just’. March to the beat of your own drum and all that. Have trust in your own instincts, your own talents. Dream it and then realise the dream through action. Those who succumb to crippling self-doubt are doing themselves ( and others) a disservice. I believe you get out of life what you put in. Positive thoughts create positive outcomes. It’s all about staying positive and ignoring nagging doubt.. stay in the vortex.
My little mantra for this mindset is 'everything happens for a reason, even though I have no clue what the reason is'🤔 As an optimistic pessimist that allows me to care, but not enough to drag me down into situational depression and in turn stagnation.
And no, I believe in myself! I was a musical prodigy kid so I still have it after everything ya know!! I'm gonna be my church band's drummer; my dream!!! We'll see if my back can do 4 songs... Know your limits, use finess and do everything through your heart. I'm starting to work with fimo clay like when I was a kid, but now I'm gonna make complex canes and I really believe I can do it. Manifest your reality by believing you can! Self full filled prophesy never forget it🐚
It used to strike me when my thoughts kind of start to get lifted from surface and they go up until whole planet, whole earth become distant. And then I start to question my, our place in universe. That get me to realize how meaningles are everyday struggles, everyday problems that are way too big from down surface perspective. I didnt get in that mood for quite time...
Many writers, myself included, feel a little depressed after finally getting their book published. It's difficult, because even accomplishing a goal (or finishing a project) can set this off.
I can't speak for the other writers who run into this, but for me, it's kind of like a combination of a vacuum effect and an impostor syndrome. Hopefully, I'm not discouraging others from trying to get their books published--definitely not my intent. But I think part of it is having a new project to jump into and not get stuck on crossing the finish line of publication, if that makes sense. Keep moving, I guess.
Robert Brewer imposter syndrome definitely. I’ve published multiple novels and have actually made some money off them but I still feel like a faker. I do better mentally if I jump right into the next project, keeping myself busy.
Sometimes the thought of nothing matters is really freeing to me. I think I put such gravity on things that the thought of my insignificance, all of our insignificance makes life feel lighter. I don't know, maybe I'm odd. It is because you can break free from any convention, enjoy the moment, this too shall pass (good and bad).
A riff on the Lennon classic, heh, Instant Karma Chameleon. We all suffer these waves, do not ignore it. Your work needs no one's approval/consideration. Your acts are meaningless but perform them with heart in that knowledge. All paths lead to nothing but tread upon it in full spirit. Also, there is no shame stopping mid journey and changing paths. In fact that is what the instant nihilism is trying to tell you, your path is meaningless, drop the self importance, change the path.
This is a good topic! It makes me think of what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes. You've probably read it since you've mentioned being a Bible reader. Ecclesiastes is my favorite 🙌🏽. In chapter 1 he says, "Then I said in my heart: “Look! I have acquired great wisdom, more than anyone who was before me in Jerusalem, and my heart gained a great deal of wisdom and knowledge.” 17 I applied my heart to knowing wisdom and to knowing madness and to knowing folly, and this too is a chasing after the wind. 18 For an abundance of wisdom brings an abundance of frustration, So that whoever increases knowledge increases pain." In chapter 2, "Then I said in my heart: “Come and let me try out pleasure and see what good comes.” But look! that too was futility. 2 I said about laughter, “It is madness!”And about pleasure, “What use is it?" He continues..."So I came to hate life, because everything being done under the sun seemed distressing to me, for everything was futile, a chasing after the wind." But the point he makes overall: "The conclusion of the matter, everything having been heard, is: Fear the true God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole obligation of man." It seems to be a common theme we all come back to, purpose. I love that Solomon was somebody who can say he's 'done it all' in a way, and that at the end it was meaningless without God. That might be a little off-topic with what you were actually talking about in this video lol but it made me think of this. I think this sheds light on some of us with nihilistic tendencies.
That was me. Me. Last month. And things seems to be happening daily. I feel like I'm finally on track something else happens. STILL battling a horror property manager. My rabbit got sick. Got two big bills at the same time so couldn't pay someone for something I bought for my sick rabbit. "Think positive and positive things will happen" "if you give out positive vibes positive vibes come back." I see those quotes everywhere because I was doing that and i crashed and burned so........................... freakin heck man lol
Yes other people are good to observe as barometers for success but we are to fulfill our purpose and the calling on our individual lives. I believe God has given my life purpose, direction, and meaning..even if it is just to begin each day with gratitude because each day in itself holds all of these if we are on the watch for it.
If we consciously come to the realization that everything is essentially meaningless, and thus has equal value, we can also come to the realization, that WE ultimately decide what has meaning to us and WE choose, what gives our lives meaning without any of our choices being less meaningful than others.
I think you're right with your solution, Frank. I do that too (thinking that I'm already part of that "clique", but that I still have to prove it). And I try to put the blinders back on as soon as I'm starting to compare myself to others. But sometimes I still feel like nothing makes sense at all, even if I'm not comparing myself to anyone. Maybe that's because we're dreamers, but rational people at the same time... and these two aspects collide sometimes? Does it make any sense? Anyway when I feel like that (as for life in general), I try to stop thinking about it (or about myself at all), and go do small things, like "thanking the bus driver" (wink wink), and it gets a little better to me. I've been thinking that someone's gotta make a motivational book that shows all the greatest artist's mistakes. I mean, when I was little I loved to draw horses, and I became pretty good at some point. But when I was four or five, my horses all looked like four-legged ducks. Now, I'm not saying I'm a great artist or anything, but I think every great artist had to go through a "four-legged ducks" phase and make their own mistakes, to learn and finally become proficient. I mean, they all started as beginners, right? Well, except for Mozart, I guess... But anyway, It'd be great to see their "human side", and compare ourselves to that. Or, at least _I think_ that would help people like me. Another thing that always helps me getting out of that feeling of inadequacy (especially when it comes to creativity and starting a new project) is thinking about when I was one or two years old. We learn a lot during those years of our lives (speaking, walking, and all that jazz). I actually think that's when we learn and improve the most. And we don't ask ourselves if that makes sense or not, and what happens if we make mistakes. We just wanna do that, and we go for it. And we get it. And mistakes are a necessary part of the process, but we don't care. And, you know, when it comes to myself specifically, I *believe* that I'll get to make it, if that's the reason why I'm here in this world. I just have to ask for help when I know I can't do that all by myself. I hope what I wrote made sense. Now I'm going back to sleep! Yesterday I slept something like 14 hours out of 24. Is it possible to have the flu in September? Maybe I'm special because of that... Okay, never mind. Have a nice day! :)
Wow. This is exactly how I was feeling yesterday. If it makes you feel any better, you aren’t the only joker this happens to. Maybe there’s something in the air with this hurricane on the way 🤔
It’s almost a catch-22. We’re “supposed” to have these goals and things we’re working toward accomplishing. Yet, when it doesn’t happen the way we planned it out in our minds, it kind of feels like a failure/let down. On the flip side, you *could* accomplish these goals, but then you’re in this cycle of continuously having to set more and more goals to feel like your life has meaning. Lol. Wow, I sound like a martyr! Sorry to whoever is reading this. Don’t listen to me! Stick to your goals in life and if sh*t doesn’t work out, who cares? We’re all gonna die someday anyways. Might as well endure the suffering and see what sticks. ((🎻🎵
Yup! I was hit by this today 🙁 I think in this case it was stress, exhaustion and sadness combining, leading to The Fear (my name for Instant Nihilism. Much less evocative than your coinage...) It is a vertiginous feeling - a dizzying glimpse into the void of meaninglessness and despair. Absolutely horrible! Thankfully usually temporary but almost more upsetting when there's no obvious reason for it (in which case I call it The Mean Reds, after Breakfast At Tiffany's.) (My very lovely friend says that I *am* ruled by the moon 😅 That always makes me chuckle.) Anyhow. Instant Nihilism/The Fear sucks (to be very American for a moment 😅) I'm consciously forming my plan for a better day tomorrow. My only defence against it is to build simple/reliably joyful things into my day - remember to listen to some music that I love, make sure I get outside for a little while to change my perspective. Tiny, conscious choices that reconnect me to happier thoughts/moments.
Not gonna lie, I put off watching this for awhile because I saw “nihilism“ in the title, and I was like, “My brain is not ready for that this early in the morning.”
It happens to me too. When I'm studying I compare myselft to other friends or other people, and I think, why am I doing this? there is already a lot of people that are doing the same as me and then, I think that this is meaningless, I'm not necessary in the world, why do I even exist?... and similar question that gets me to the point of not wanting to do anything...
Perhaps part of the problem is our attachment to a certain idea of what “meaning” means. There are lots of kinds of meanings or meaningfulness, but when we are attached when we see particular meanings not being fulfilled or playing out in reality, then we perceive meaninglessness because in fact it is a lack of a particular notion of meaning that we are attached to. Like if we perceive ourselves in a utilitarian way, that our lives only have meaning if we are making what we perceive to be a significant enough difference in the world, then we will always be disappointed in our failure to live up to that meaning. It is equally unhelpful to say simply that everyone has an intrinsic meaning, because then there is no room for distinction of various kinds and degrees of meaning, so it also feels equally meaningless to say everything has meaning. The path of personal fulfillment likely falls somewhere in a more nuanced space between being dependently attached to particular meanings and being completely detached in accepting a kind of all-encompassing meaning that carries no distinctions of thought. Just thinking out loud here.
Solomon in Ecclesiastes has the best nihilistic spiel. Ecclesiastes 1:2 "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." #relatable
Aw man. We all probably wish we could meet you so bad. What would it be like to have a friend who thinks just like you in real life? I wish we all could do one big Meetup . It seems I am obsessed with meaning. And I don't think it's because I just want there to be meaning, I think it's because I want to know truth and I want to know what matters, objectively. I go through layers and layers with this same question of meaning. When I find one level of what matters and what doesn't, I find after a while, there's another level to the question. I feel as the years go on, I come closer and closer to the reality of what life is and what it's for. If you're anything like me, you won't be happy just ignoring the question. There's fulfillment in digging into it and finding answers and aligning your life with it. I have changed my life course so many times... I'm unsatisfied going through motions that I don't know the context of why I am doing them. Everything I do has to tie Into what I've found the meaning to be. For example, I can go to work if I know I need the money to put toward practically fulfilling my ideals. It helps so much. That nagging nagging feeling of "why does this matter?" Haunts me if I don't know it. I don't know how anyone can live without seeking out their deepest concern... I don't think this is just a fluke of chemistry in your body. I highly suggest digging into the question! I do believe there is truth, and purpose, and it's found in God. I have been studying even 15 years past the time I realized God exists, and I'm still going deeper into what matters and what doesn't. It's fascinating. To sum up everything , here's what matters , I think: (although these things have to come to your mind, heart, and spirit in a way that's personal and real to you so you can really know it.) But for future reference, my life findings say that the only thing that matters is what is eternal. The only thing going past this temporary life are your spirit and others spirits who find the truth as well. So #1 is finding God, salvation, and being a part of that experience in other's lives. Then , realizing this temporal realm (life on Earth before death and eternal life) doesn't matter , in a sense. In another sense it is the place we can affect the life to come , that actually does really matter, so in that sense, this life matters too. Spiritual growth, truth, God, salvation, evangelism, and love, all matter. Everything else in this life can be tools for or against those meaningful, (or as the Bible puts it , "lasting") things. I think you know innately that you want to affect others for good, and that you have giftings that can be used to reach wide audiences. To be famous just for yourself to say, "wow , I'm a big deal" may feel good , but it isn't meaningful. You being someone and known has to benefit others to be truly worthwhile. It seems your inevitable path at this point. It will be good for you to know what you want your message to be!
key sentence "who cares about the meaning, the meaning will come and take care of itself later" aweseome!!! Thank you, Frank, this is really helpful to me!!!! Thanks!!!!!
You are such a deep, philosophical, authentic, self-aware, mindful, and articulate individual. Thank you immensely for all your videos. They bring me life.
My father taught me growing up, “Everything is empty and meaningless. The fact that everything is empty and meaningless is also empty and meaningless. What does that mean?” And I’d harp in, “We get to have our own meaning!” That really helped. What’s meaningful to me is doing things - sometimes good things, sometimes pants things, sometimes things my friends rave about or don’t. I’m fairly amused that my coping mechanism to Instant Nihilism (which I am susceptible to sometimes) is “nihilism is meaningless”, grinning to myself & carrying on. Cheers for the video!
I love "Nihilism is meaningless" as a coping mechanism, I'll use it!
Kiwi Kaleidoscope I love this - your father sounds like a smart man. 👍🏼
Silvery115 Glad to be of use! XD Works well enough for me, hope it does for you too!
XoAlyssa NicoleoX Wisest man I know! Glad to pass it along. ♥
I thinks that’s very cool. It’s almost zen philosophy, to go beyond the dogma and meaning we ascribe stuff, to come out the other side and to enjoy the meanings for the game that it is, and to be totally at ease with life as a result. Cool :P
"What does it get you to think this way?" Good question.
Sometimes it gets me frustrated. But most of the time it helps me to let go of anything I thought I was supposed to be. Nihilism can be freeing. My mind goes, "This is pointless. So I should dive in head first because it doesn't matter!" Dangerous? I don't know. But what holds people back from growth is the fear of leaving their comfort zones. If thinking this way is what it takes for me to keep growing, I welcome it.
Who cares about other people? I love admiring the work of other people. But I would never want to take someone else's path to find my own success. Whatever success even is.
Yep! It really can be freeing! Other people are freaking out over a loss of a job or a change in life... I'm just like, "cool, what's next?!"
Guess the philosophers are still in the same predicament.
"All I know, is I know nothing."
The irony of history, Repetition, patterns. Finding meaning in our lives is what makes it worth living. In your own words, "stay cool and attractive".
THIS. I found this video way to late man. Let me explain. I'm 19 years old, and serving in the military in January. I finished high school in august 2018. An opportunity presented itself for me to go work at a factory from september - january (scince im serving from then). Obviously, as an INFJ labor is not at all rewarding to me, but it really felt like an opportunity to challenge myself, learn some new things and obviously make some money. It felt like a really responsible thing to do. In conjunction to the new work, i had to move to a house and live alone, since the factory is a bit out on the countryside (It was my granddads house, so i lived there cheap). So i went from living with my aunt, who cooked and cleaned while i really only focused on writing music- to having full responsibility for myself. Also knowing the military was up next, made me take sleep, food and excersize very seriously. I was giving it my ALL. And just a couple a days in, i get hit with this wave of INTENSE nihilism. Out of nowhere. "Why the hell was i doing all of this, when nothing ever have, does, or will matter." Every positive emotion became negative, since it represented the sad truth that even good doesn't matter. I've experienced it a bit before, but this was something COMPLETELY different. One day i walked around the factory crying because i couldn't hold it back. It was just indescribably intense. It was on my mind 24/7. And then, suddenly, as abrubtly as it had came, after about a month, it was just gone. Its difficult to put into words all the thoughts and feelings surrounding the episode..
Hope this was put in an understandable way, english is my second language and im kinda tired:p
Lolz
The meaning of life:
Living a life of meaning
“Who doesn’t like a long train ride?” Exactly. It’s all about the journey. I know where I want to end up (at least for now) and I’m working towards it, even if that goal changes into something completely different. At least I learned and experienced a lot while it lasted. And I deliberately try not to give any f’s as to what other people do.
An anecdote, because it reminded me of your channel -
So I’m teaching a section of sixth-grade writing this year, which is terrifying in and of itself, because they’re so darn little. We’re starting with personal narratives about a time they learned a lesson, and I asked them to brainstorm topics. One girl says “animals,” to which this adorably small boy replies, “Yeah. You could talk about when your pet dies, and then you realize everything dies, and then you get all existential.”
God damn. Like...a) how does this literal child even know the word “existential,” and b) can we lighten up a bit, kids? 😂 I think I may have a baby INFJ on my hands.
that kid is going places!
Frank James I mostly teach 8th, so here’s to hoping I have him again in 2 years. Kid will probably be a full-blown “God is dead” nihilist by then, and I gotta see that. 😂
i call it an 'existential pang' because of how sudden and acute they are for me
You hit my feels on the head here. A lot of times I can feel hopeful, but then, yeah, that whole "Nothing I do matters" thing jumps in. It's a de-motivator but also a pressure-reliever in some ways. If you fail at something, it doesn't matter. If you don't become successful in life, it doesn't matter. I mean even the big history figures that everybody knows, the celebrities even, don't really matter in the end. The end-end. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't still do what you want to do. Life is meant to be lived and enjoyed in my eyes. Just because you feel like you may not do as well or it feels impossible to get to a certain level someone else is, that feeling of meaningless can also be a little bit helpful in some ways. Hear me out. If you feel like it's meaningless, then everything is meaningless. That person's success is also meaningless, and therefore why not give it a shot anyway? If it's all meaningless, then it doesn't matter what the outcome is. It's the experience of trying, of doing so, and, hey, maybe you'll be successful in it! It's the pressure that is wrecking people trying to get successful I think. They feel like there's no point in even trying because it seems impossible. But lowering the expectations, not putting so much pressure on yourself can really help. It can let you at least feel the freedom to at least try, and in many cases you CAN become what you want. Just don't expect it to happen overnight.
There's a movie that helped me a lot, but it's directed by a controversial, hated by many now man, but it helped me out of a huge funk because in the movie he was going through a similar issue I've always gone through. The movie is "Hannah and Her Sisters," directed by Woody Allen.
*Spoilers for this movie if people haven't seen it, but it's an old movie*
I was Woody's character in that movie. He was such a hypochrondriac and felt constantly scared of that ultimate diagnosis of something terminal. Well, it sort of happens for him, they find a spot on a brain scan, and he automatically assumes he's dying. Well, long story short, he's not. It was a blip in the scan. He's elated for like a second. Oh, I'm not dying! But then the realization hits: one day he's going to be faced with that ultimate doom, that diagnosis or just happening that ultimately leads to his ultimate fear: death. It depresses him, causes him to question the meaning of life. He looks all over the place to find meaning: all different religions, philosophies etc. Nothing helps him. He almost commits suicide because he just could not find the meaning and didn't want to wait for that ultimate diagnosis, the unknowing. He points a shotgun at his head readying to kill himself, but he's so nervous he's sweating. The sweat ultimately causes the gun to slip off of his head and when he pulls the trigger, it misses him entirely. Because of this, he feels maybe he does have a reason to be alive, that this happened for a reason. So, he goes out to a comedy film, a Groucho Marx movie. He sees everyone happy and smiling and just enjoying life in the movie, and he finally realizes... life is to enjoy, to experience while we're here. Meaningless or not, it's the ride. Do everything you want in life because you are only here for the moment. If you don't make it where you want to, eh, you tried, but all in all we end up in the same place. I've known too many people who have not even tried based on their fear of not making it in life.
That really helped me. I was in a horrible depression at the time that I watched this movie, and I was like almost screaming at the screen while watching this, like THIS IS ME, THIS IS 100% ME. It helped me overcome a lot of my existential crises (though it's apparent I'm still messed up and feel nihilistic a lot, but I'm not suicidal over it). I do still strive to find some meaning other than just existing, but really it depends on my mood whether or not I'm going to feel depressed over it or just look at life as an experience we get to have.
I'm gonna now rewatch your video again to see if anything I just said has anything to do with it. I go off on tangents, and I'm sorry.
I love how your comment reads exactly how I could have written it! I've been through the same train of thoughts , my enjoyment of life even got pretty far at one point. I'm just wanting to share with you that I did find God, or God found me? One or the other.. ha ha
But I wouldn't give up on finding God yet. I tell everyone the smae thing, don't use your brain to get to God... Making Him be proven to you first. Pray. Communicate with whatever is there. He will answer! Just keep asking for truth and that He lead you to the truth. I hope this helps
thatASMRchick I like another old one also called peaceful warrior. It's about the journey. The present. The dash between the years. Thanks for sharing
When every day for years became meaningless for me, I finally decided that I wanted to live a life of meaning. I took steps to live as my most authentic self. It is extremely hard work for me but worth it beyond measure. I pursue only those things that have deep meaning or desire for me. The things that I always wished I would do. Still working on more but happy also with what I currently do. Examples: volunteering, yoga, meditation, tai chi, having creative hobbies, living/creating with idealistic vision, trying to love unconditionally myself and others,and surrounding myself with positive action orientated people. The examples are small but strongly connect me to what feels meaningful to me.
I just want to let you know that your videos are appreciated and I love them ❤
You’re awesome. I love how you convey so much without spelling out every little detail. You doing videos helps me feel not alone in the “why am I here besides going to a job I hate for 19 years and they are closing the doors....surprise!” Thanks for what you do Dr. Frank.
Thank you for this, in a way it's very motivating to just say go after your dreams instead of feeling like everything is futile. I think the older you get the more nihilistic you may become, as the verdant fields of youth begin to dissipate in your mind. Dreams are replaced by realities and it becomes more of an arduous task with each passing year to try and delude yourself. I like your analogy of being invited to the party, you just haven't arrived yet, that's a more sanguine outlook on life. You also made a favorable point in saying that we should bring every thought captive, no matter how difficult it may be, because we may in fact be believing a lie that is causing us to feel that way. The chemical reaction is a byproduct of your thought life and in a way that brings some sense of relief in being able to exhibit an element of control in your own mind. As Descartes so famously said, I think therefore I am, never rang so true, at least in my life. The life of a writer can be a lonely life which may lend itself to bouts of questioning existence. Some of the most prolific writers such as Hemingway could not take the pain of existence and consequently took their own lives. Pain in some anomalous way helps us to know were alive, unless it becomes chronically debilitating. It can get to a point in life if you've felt that pain either emotionally or physically for so long that it becomes your whole identity, your life is placed on hold. If you do heal I think you can actually go through the stages as if it were a death, because you lost so much of your life suffering that now you are free you lament the wasted time. There is a desire to make meaning of all the agony, to know that it was not all in vain and that perhaps someone can find solace in their own existence from knowing the plight that you endured. It doesn't take the sting away from all those years of distress, but it can bring a sense of purpose into a seemingly senseless world.
@@user-is1nm9fp4mThank you:) that's just my middle of the night stream of consciousness, haha. I'm glad you liked it.
Hey Frank! So happy your video popped up - I look forward to them every day!
Gotcha on this. I dip into these moments for sure. I think dipping into these moments of nihilism at times shows that we are reflecting on our current situations and questioning where we are where we been and where were going so I totally get this thanks
Hi James!!! I dont know if you will see this in the vast ocean of comments, but i just found a chic named Candace van Dell and her youtube Chanel has opened my eyes. She talks about highly sensitive people and how to heal. Very relatable for INFJ's.
Good phrase. Especially for the date. 17 years ago we all experienced instant nihilism. On 9-11 I remember asking myself the reason why we do what we do if everything can be turned to rumble. But that was the goal of people who hate, to stop us in our tracks and kill the promise in each of us. We turned it around and saw the value in life and began to help one another with what little we could do until we could do more. In a career (like acting or writing or anything)- do what you can do until you are in a better position to do more. Practice and experience build talent. :) Everyone has moments of discouragement and disorientation. "What's the point" is a thought process leading to depression. I made a decision when I was a child that I would do everything I could to help others using my skills and if I hit a wall and become limited in what I can do creatively or to help others, I WILL DO EVERYTHING I CAN AND THAT WILL BE ENOUGH. As a professional I have seen many times when I did everything I could and the client continued to make their poor decisions and it went south. I had to accept that not everything is in my control to avoid repetitive compassion fatigue. Wow how could I compare Judy Garland with Barbra Streisand? Both excellent but very different. Apples and oranges. If I only have one day before the end, I would be using that one day to helps others, maybe those closest to me. I like your thought about being a member of the talented party who has not yet been recognized. I liked the comment in the Thomas Crowne Affair (newer version) If a guy steals a few swirls of paint but I put a child molester away, maybe I am doing alright.
Yes! This happens to me all the time in my side creative endeavors. I think my trigger is when I tell someone else about what I’m working on. They show interest, but I feel immediately intimidated and usually fall into a nihilistic state and kill the project.
Thank you so much for this. You are so wise for one so young. I wish I understood at your age what I am now at nearly fifty learning from you. Lucky to be married to an INTP (lovely, lovely man) who can put things in perspective for me when I have these thoughts. I am a writer and halfway through a new manuscript, I will hit a wall of what you call "instant nihilism" (Excellent description by the way) If people do not even hear me when I speak to them face-to-face, let alone understand what I am trying to say, why would they read my books? Strangely they do. That is where my husband always helps me through by saying that as long as I have fun writing the story, the rest does not matter so much. Really, you have opened a whole world of understanding for me.
I have learned that often it is about the journey, not the destination. We learn and grow as we go, we help others, we find meaning, we make mistakes, we apply new knowledge, etc. Some journeys take longer than others. Some leave you exhausted, some leave you exhilarated.
Was just thinking about this today. Watched a Nietzsche documentary this morning and found it very interesting. Especially his prediction of ‘last men’ which is a scarily sobering descriptor of modern life. Not sure if I’m a total nihilist, but somehow I find comfort that I can just put a pause on losing myself in meanings where there isn’t any. It’s hard to put into words.
Great thoughts, great vlog, FJ :D
Excellent essay. In order to get anywhere, we have to have a vision of what that “anywhere” is. With that, we can see the people and forces around us who will help make it happen (along with of our dedication and hard work).
Regarding nihilism, it’s sort of a fools path, isn’t it? It’s the epitome of self defeat. Life is either completely meaningless... or the point and meaning is to get all of the joy out of life you can and experience all of the love you can give and receive.
For me it happens when it comes to me for the umpteenth time that I've excelled at everything I've tried and helped people succeed at their goals, but right now all I'm doing is struggling to make ends meet, and all I see is that pointless atruggle for the rest of my life. That's when I feel that life is like death. The world matters and everything in it, except me. Bummer. It passes if I can let myself stop worrying - nothing changes, but at least it doesn't pain me so badly. This morning I remembered, 'The oxen are slow, but the earth is patient.' :)
You're the first one who said meaninglessness is meaningless as well! This really makes sense.
I am a person who has an inner sense of meaning and purpose. I can't speak for everyone, but I know myself. I don't have a long list of goals. My needs and wants in life are very simple and rather practical and purposeful. I think being content means being aware of reality, purpose and the true things of life on which we focus. Scattering ourselves, our energies and our thoughts in every direction can give us confusion, distraction, aimlessness. If we know who we are, where we want to be and what we aim to do, no obstacles seem that heavy.
I dont really ever look toward others to make sure i am going the right direction or doing well. I have an inner compass and my own principles that I live by. They are time tested and reliable. No one has the same circumstances, obstacles, blessings, gifts, talents and abilities. We all have to do the best we can with where we are and with what we have.
Thanks Frank! I needed that. I get random bits of this and its incredibly depressing. They only come rarely cause i repress it very much. Its confusing cause its like ok wtf do i do with this feeling now?? Now i know. Thank you for being so vulnerable all the time with us
Good Morning! Glad to see a new video. Yesterday felt a little empty without one. 😊
Nihilism happens to me too. I think it makes it so I never become overly obsessed with things. I do still believe we all have intrinsic meaning. 🤗
Super strange that you mentioned a long train ride because I was planning one last night! From the west to east! It’ll take a few days and I really want to do it!
Hope to see a new video soon!
There is absolutely NO point to my life. I've gone over-thought about this since I was about 30.
Same for me. It only goes away for 5 minutes and then comes back
Frank, this video could not have come at a better time for me. Instant nihilism..that has been my struggle since recently graduating college. I loved when you said “forget about the meaning..the meaning will take care of itself.” That has been my problem trying to figure out a career path/working on creative endeavors. I’m so glad someone resonates with this feeling..I have tried to explain this feeling to my close friends/family, and no one quite understood..I think it might be an INFJ thing.. ;) who knows haha.
I also really like your mindset about feeling inadequate to those further along in your career field than you. Viewing myself as a peer of the professionals in my field, rather than below them...I really like that.I love this video, it seriously came at the perfect time for me
I become a nihilistic poet at least once a year, I crash, I burn, I pause for a day or two and then without all that clutter I get fresh clarity, I see again and remind myself of daily goals and the important stuff...like odd socks, poetry...my poetry not theirs, butterflies and shiny things!! :)
Nihilism is me every day.
Especially when I see where I am vs where I wanna be.
But I just keep reminding myself that I'm an INTJ with a vision, and one day the horizontal line on the graph of my life is going to be a sharp vertical one when all my years of calculated planning finally become swift and flawless execution.
And actually, a little nihilism is good once in a while. It helps me drop the extra baggage that really is meaningless, and refocus on my priorities.
"....I do believe in the power of manifestation...but I don't believe that any of it matters. This mattering is, to me, a human construct, born out of the same need to have deities and things like that...."-Jim Carrey. Pretty much sums up my thoughts on it, really. I no longer view nihilism as a "belief," anymore, basically because I think it's reality. The truth, more or less. Viewing it as either a positive or negative thing is the belief. And, like all things, that comes from the mind, your thoughts, the "show" constantly running inside your head. Stepping out of it regularly has really helped me no longer view nihilism as bad, or even as a problem. It just is. We're the ones who have to change, I think. To make ourselves become more aligned with what is. But, that's just me..... :)
Your topics are always incredibly interesting and your exploration of them is so insightful. Keep up the excellent work! PS: I cannot wait for your next podcast. :D
I love the devil's drawing on the wall. I would put that in my room.
This actually did help... I’ve been stuck in a perpetual bout of nihilism. I need to finish my book too actually, I have to just do it and stop comparing myself to my favourite writers, or lyricists or etc.
I am very relieved that I still have time to become a famous author :) It's still seven years. You're right. You shouldn't write a book with the goal to publish it, but you always should have a "cause" or message while writing it. it strengths your belief's in yourself and your perseverance.
I deal with these types of thoughts quite frequently, but most of the time I just ignore it. It’s not about will power or overthinking it (with me), but it’s knowing that if I cater those thoughts I will fall back into my depression. Most of the time I just push myself to do what I need to do and eventually those terrible thoughts are minimized. No matter what you believe, you have to agree that we matter. Our presence, words and actions (however great or small) make an impact on everything and everyone, positively or negatively. I think to fall into those bad thoughts means that we have lost this perspective.
PS: if you are currently feeling this way, please know that you do matter and there is always room for things to get better. If these thoughts are severely affecting your life, please contact a specialist. Your life is a gift to humanity and you are capable of great things!
Love, A. Calamity
I really needed this as of late. Thanks for the great upload
Awesome video FJ, Instant Nihilism has been hitting me pretty recently, I just didn’t have a term for it. This random speal from internet rando was just what I needed today👍🏻 Keep on rocking bro🤘🏻
I have been wanting to write an autobiography and try to start a TH-cam channel and this was oddly inspirational towards that! Thankyou!
Thanks for always making me chuckle too... 😀
I never struggled so much with thinking what I did was meaningless as much as feeling that others thought what I was doing was.
But I myself believed enough in what I was doing that it carried me through that. Their disbelief looking back was a catalyst too. They always seeked to compare me to some invisible yardstick written in a book of rules I didn't seem to get a copy of.
I think I was standing in the wrong line that day.
It's the danger of one story. And comparison is the thief of joy. It's great to have mentors and people we look up to.
But in the end, our story will be uniquely ours. I personally wouldn't want it any other way.
EXACTLY what i've been feeling this past month
I was half way through a long winded personal take on the video/topic, then I literally thought ‘what’s the point?’
Instant nihilism ftw
Everything about this video was so relatable! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, FJ!
I don't believe there is something greater than the life we have right now so it becomes meaningful to me since that's all there is.
Heather, Don't worry I'm more than satisfied with my life. I respect your beliefs but just because I don't share them doesn't mean it's because I don't understand life. The meaning people give to life is very personal.
I'm forever a nihilist. But deep down, I think we all have to start somewhere and it's never too late to start down the path you desire.
Life IS meaningless and in that fact I find great comfort. If it has no meaning , then there is no wrong path or way of living it. Choose what you want to experience the best you can and pursue it, enjoying each moment for what it is. Life truly is about the process! It’s about enjoying the meaninglessness of each moment, until it ceases to exist. It also, in my mind, helps to ease suffering to some extent knowing that it doesn’t make one any less of a person to have experienced something, it just is what it is. No meaning = no need to hold on to fear and negativity if it doesn’t serve you. You could also take that negative experience and educate or help others. The point being, you get to decide what you do with your experiences, because it doesn’t really matter which way you live, just that you DO IT!
There’s nothing like waking up to instant nihilism in your cup.
Wasn’t Donna Tartt like, 19 or 20 when she wrote the first draft of The Secret History? That blows my mind. 😅 I wanted to be her in high school, man. Sadly though, my parents wouldn’t let me go to Bennington College and live out my dreams of engaging in bacchanalia and murder cover-ups. 😥
I like to think what I’m doing has meaning, especially now that I’m teaching younger kids, because they need more guidance and help than my high schoolers did. That said, I had to give a detention yesterday to a kid who yelled out dick jokes in the middle of class, and my students have taken to calling me “Miss Lasagna” because my last name is Italian and has a silent g in it, so my faith and patience is clearly tested on the daily. 😅 Maybe if I’d gone to Bennington like Donna Tartt, I coulda been somebody. Instead, I get to be Miss Lasagna.
If your students give you a nickname they say to your face that means they love you and your class. Winning!
Aleathia Drehmer That’s what I tell myself 😂
@@hollyp.8849 Whenever I get annoyed at my dad for teasing me, he says, "It means I love you. Would you prefer it if I ignored you?" And I often hear that the opposite of love isn't hatred but indifference.
Your videos are so helpful :') Thank you!
We should have to have a vision or ultimate goal to achieve before dying... When I feel meaningless I convince myself by saying that everything I am doing whether right or wrong is part of the bigger plan. This helps me to get remotivated when I am not.
You were losing me there for a minute... then right there at the end I think I grasped the edge of the flying carpet 🧞♀️
I had to pull over my car to write this comment. Your advice helped me a lot. Really thank you.
I have the same exact problem, and sadly I don't have any real solution.
Ha! TH-cam reads my mind I think, except it's always a day late. Felt very nihilistic yesterday, but was able to pull myself out of it. Then this video pops on my feed. Ironically, the really meaningless thing is the thoughts our brains conjure. But I think it's absolutely normal for all of us to feel this way from time to time. It's our spirituality, looking for answers. I hope you get to complete your book if you haven't already, and if you still want to. 😊☮️
Every sucsefull person has to push, push... push till you drop over. and have to stagger to bed. No matter how easy something seems, it's never as easy as it seems. "The more I know, the more I find what I don't know." - Albert Eienstien -
I'm a novelist and have been struggling with this for a while. It's probably a main trigger, but the passion is worth the frequent triggers.
I've never experienced much nihilism that I can remember. Everything is so saturated in meaning and purpose 100% of the time that it is actually overwhelming to me sometimes lol.
My own bad feels often stem from guilt for not staying on track in a spiritual sense. The Bible has taught me what true success is, but I don't always practice what I preach.
But yes MEANING IS EVERYWHERE!!! In the most infinitesimal of things. Nothing was created without a purpose...and NOTHING is truly simple. Because God did it all, and his ways are higher than our ways, so we can't even fully comprehend how much meaning and complexity is around us...on this earth... and beyond it.
It's exhilarating to think about that.
King Solomon felt the way you have described, and he was extremely wealthy and successful! (in the way the world views success.)
He said:
"So I came to hate life, because everything being done under the sun seemed distressing to me, for everything was futile, a chasing after the wind." (Ecc. 2:17)
He had EVERYTHING(in a secular sense), and probably many people were jealous of him. He found that purpose, meaning, and happiness comes from serving God.
"To the man who pleases him he gives wisdom and knowledge and rejoicing"(Ecc. 2:26)
And he saw that human relationships are more important than material success.
"There is a man who is all alone, without any companion; he has no son or brother, but there is no end to all his hard work. His eyes are never satisfied with riches. But does he ask himself, ‘For whom am I working hard and depriving myself of good things’? This too is futility and a miserable occupation."(Ecc. 4:8)(4:8-12 is definitely worth reading for this bit of knowledge.)
Man, Ecclesiastes is good stuff. It talks about materialism, big dreams that keep people awake at night, and feeling discontented/nihilistic. It brings out the importance of worship and enjoying simple things.
There ya go. Lots of Bible stuff. 😄❤️
Meaning, meaning, everything has meaning. 🤔
Brittany S Very true. I got myself a certificate in Bible and Bible related things about a year before I came here for my degree.
I wanted a grounding of sorts before I undertook this.
My grandfather knew the Bible so well and I remember him not really studying it so much as kind of reading it like a beloved novel over and over.
He was a simple farmer with a grade 6 education, but he sure knew his stuff!
His non judgmental kindness and patience is something I've rarely seen in others to his extent.
Part of it was just his personality, but he had an unbreakable faith and closeness to God too that I can only seem to be able to scratch the surface of.
Yet my faith also has grown so much he last several years! Because I've seen Him bring me through things I never thought I'd get through. And that continues to grow me and my faith.
That #1 Grandaddy tho. ^_^ greatest book of all time.
Hey Melanie. Didn't think I would have time/energy for a thoughtful response today, so I left you a cop-out one hahaha. I had a long therapy sesh today. But here I am for 2nd reply.
I am unfortunately not the greatest example of a christian right now, and I am representing Gods name:/
...but I strive to be better so I will be a great example in the future.
It's such a blessing to have those pillars in our life that set a good example by truly acting on their faith. The bible tells us that "faith without works is dead". It sounds like grandpa was applying what he learned in his behaviors. My mom is that inspiration for me. I couldn't ask for a better example of kindness, courage, and reliance on God. I want to be more like her, and the thing is we do become more like those in our immediate circle. Even just thinking about the good influences we have, or have had, in our lives has a positive effect. It's almost like all the people that have affected us deeply become part of our inner voice, for good or for bad. The truly decent human beings we come across can quiet the echos of those who have been a source of toxicity in the past.
I understand what you mean, in my own way, about hard times being what strengthen faith. My conviction has been enhanced greatly each time I have been through troublesome events that felt almost impossible to endure.:)
Brittany S Oh that's ok, no worries ☺
I know therapy can be very cathartic yet extremely draining/gutting at the same time.
Hope it's going ok for you.
I've had some bad councilling experiences, so here's hoping you've got yourself a good one.
My walk with God is a work in progress too so I identify. I accepted Him young then fell away. I've spend the last few years coming back into alignment with how I'd like to see my walk going, then working towards that.
Yes by trials we grow. You have obviously had your share, yet you are not bitter and that is great.
Faith to faith glory to glory.
My Grandpa has been gone since 1991, but yes his legacy lives on in my heart and memory. He sure was a true example of a non hypocrite. I hold that dear.
Would like to see that book done...
Don't worry about grasping the whole world... It's around 🍏
Personally, I need or I think/ feel I need a lot( and what is it sometimes I don't know myself)to start doing things, doing more creative stuff... Maybe to believe in betterness, . Wish you all the best 💌🐱🍀😘
Thank you Frank for this video!
I've been feeling quite miserable lately and thinking how life doesn't make any sense.
Even though I believe in God (I'm a Christian) I can't help but think that this life is so random. I mean, you are born, then you go to school and study, then you work, you get married and start your own family, you work some more and then you die.
This life here sounds boring to me, but I'm glad I'm not the only INFJ that feels this way. This type of nihilism always hits me out of the blue, when I'm lonely or when I'm traveling.
I honestly believe the only meaning that matters is our own experience. We are here to experience. The experience is to add our perspective to the collective and that in it self is worth it
i should be studying... instead im watching your videos bc im really stressed and your voice calms me, i love you a little bit.
This one is good. I saved it for future watches.
Also read the book of ecclesiastes. I think you'll find that the author, king Solomon was a nihilist but found purpose at the end of it. We are all vapor, this life, this world, even wisdom is all meaningless BUT we have been given this life and these days to work, enjoy, and live in creation. This world is not all there is and really serves only as a blip in the history of eternity
Set your mind and heart on eternal things
Ecc 3:11 :)
💞💞💞💞
You are not the only joker it happens to. And you are right, your particular path will be unique, there is no "formula" for success. Yes, it IS all pointless, AND we must forget that in order to move on and find happiness and fulfillment in our lives. Take it one step at a time. Do what you can. Don't give up. You DO make an impact, and we ALL can, if we want to....even if it's on a tiny little scale. Love the people around you, and you will find peace.
You will see later in life that "THIS" time was consider "GOOD TIMES". Hard to see it while you're in the moment. Social media is bad IMO.
Why do we park in a driveway and drive on the parkway? 🎶 "The closer you get to the meaning, The sooner you'll know that you're dreaming"🎶 Black Sabbath - Heaven and Hell
Everything has meaning but what meaning depends upon ones own perception and reality. It’s all realative. You’ve got to make your own opportunities according to your own beliefs. There’s no right or wrong, it’s all subjective. Having both faith and integrity will see you through.
You’ve got to believe in what you’re doing is right and ‘just’. March to the beat of your own drum and all that. Have trust in your own instincts, your own talents. Dream it and then realise the dream through action. Those who succumb to crippling self-doubt are doing themselves ( and others) a disservice.
I believe you get out of life what you put in. Positive thoughts create positive outcomes. It’s all about staying positive and ignoring nagging doubt.. stay in the vortex.
I always feel a void... an emptiness.... Maybe it's more like a saddness for this dispensation of time... Idk, but I feel it everyday
My little mantra for this mindset is 'everything happens for a reason, even though I have no clue what the reason is'🤔 As an optimistic pessimist that allows me to care, but not enough to drag me down into situational depression and in turn stagnation.
And no, I believe in myself! I was a musical prodigy kid so I still have it after everything ya know!! I'm gonna be my church band's drummer; my dream!!! We'll see if my back can do 4 songs... Know your limits, use finess and do everything through your heart. I'm starting to work with fimo clay like when I was a kid, but now I'm gonna make complex canes and I really believe I can do it. Manifest your reality by believing you can! Self full filled prophesy never forget it🐚
It used to strike me when my thoughts kind of start to get lifted from surface and they go up until whole planet, whole earth become distant. And then I start to question my, our place in universe. That get me to realize how meaningles are everyday struggles, everyday problems that are way too big from down surface perspective.
I didnt get in that mood for quite time...
Sometimes the meaning can transform itself or you (and others too).
Many writers, myself included, feel a little depressed after finally getting their book published. It's difficult, because even accomplishing a goal (or finishing a project) can set this off.
Robert Brewer Same.
Interesting! Maybe I won't try to get my novels published. Is it like an anti-climax?
I can't speak for the other writers who run into this, but for me, it's kind of like a combination of a vacuum effect and an impostor syndrome. Hopefully, I'm not discouraging others from trying to get their books published--definitely not my intent. But I think part of it is having a new project to jump into and not get stuck on crossing the finish line of publication, if that makes sense. Keep moving, I guess.
Robert Brewer imposter syndrome definitely. I’ve published multiple novels and have actually made some money off them but I still feel like a faker. I do better mentally if I jump right into the next project, keeping myself busy.
Sometimes the thought of nothing matters is really freeing to me. I think I put such gravity on things that the thought of my insignificance, all of our insignificance makes life feel lighter. I don't know, maybe I'm odd. It is because you can break free from any convention, enjoy the moment, this too shall pass (good and bad).
Wonderful stuff 👍👍
A riff on the Lennon classic, heh, Instant Karma Chameleon. We all suffer these waves, do not ignore it. Your work needs no one's approval/consideration. Your acts are meaningless but perform them with heart in that knowledge. All paths lead to nothing but tread upon it in full spirit. Also, there is no shame stopping mid journey and changing paths. In fact that is what the instant nihilism is trying to tell you, your path is meaningless, drop the self importance, change the path.
This is a good topic! It makes me think of what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes. You've probably read it since you've mentioned being a Bible reader.
Ecclesiastes is my favorite 🙌🏽.
In chapter 1 he says, "Then I said in my heart: “Look! I have acquired great wisdom, more than anyone who was before me in Jerusalem, and my heart gained a great deal of wisdom and knowledge.” 17 I applied my heart to knowing wisdom and to knowing madness and to knowing folly, and this too is a chasing after the wind. 18 For an abundance of wisdom brings an abundance of frustration, So that whoever increases knowledge increases pain."
In chapter 2, "Then I said in my heart: “Come and let me try out pleasure and see what good comes.” But look! that too was futility. 2 I said about laughter, “It is madness!”And about pleasure, “What use is it?"
He continues..."So I came to hate life, because everything being done under the sun seemed distressing to me, for everything was futile, a chasing after the wind."
But the point he makes overall: "The conclusion of the matter, everything having been heard, is: Fear the true God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole obligation of man."
It seems to be a common theme we all come back to, purpose. I love that Solomon was somebody who can say he's 'done it all' in a way, and that at the end it was meaningless without God.
That might be a little off-topic with what you were actually talking about in this video lol but it made me think of this. I think this sheds light on some of us with nihilistic tendencies.
Hi again sis!
Love that one too! lol hilarious. It's cool, Solomon said the other options were futile too so pick your poison ;) lol.
@@tenejathweatt6175 X'D oh man I'm in trouble
That was me. Me. Last month. And things seems to be happening daily. I feel like I'm finally on track something else happens. STILL battling a horror property manager. My rabbit got sick. Got two big bills at the same time so couldn't pay someone for something I bought for my sick rabbit. "Think positive and positive things will happen" "if you give out positive vibes positive vibes come back." I see those quotes everywhere because I was doing that and i crashed and burned so........................... freakin heck man lol
Frank James - Grammar Innovator
FRANK JAMESSSSSS. That's my 4 am comment
Everything has a meaning. Sometimes we can't see this meaning, at least not right now, but it doesn't mean the meaning it is not there.
Everything is beautiful in its time...
Yes other people are good to observe as barometers for success but we are to fulfill our purpose and the calling on our individual lives. I believe God has given my life purpose, direction, and meaning..even if it is just to begin each day with gratitude because each day in itself holds all of these if we are on the watch for it.
If we consciously come to the realization that everything is essentially meaningless, and thus has equal value, we can also come to the realization, that WE ultimately decide what has meaning to us and WE choose, what gives our lives meaning without any of our choices being less meaningful than others.
Yes, there is nothing new under the sun. All of it is vanity & chasing the wind!! ;)
I think you're right with your solution, Frank. I do that too (thinking that I'm already part of that "clique", but that I still have to prove it). And I try to put the blinders back on as soon as I'm starting to compare myself to others.
But sometimes I still feel like nothing makes sense at all, even if I'm not comparing myself to anyone. Maybe that's because we're dreamers, but rational people at the same time... and these two aspects collide sometimes?
Does it make any sense?
Anyway when I feel like that (as for life in general), I try to stop thinking about it (or about myself at all), and go do small things, like "thanking the bus driver" (wink wink), and it gets a little better to me.
I've been thinking that someone's gotta make a motivational book that shows all the greatest artist's mistakes.
I mean, when I was little I loved to draw horses, and I became pretty good at some point. But when I was four or five, my horses all looked like four-legged ducks. Now, I'm not saying I'm a great artist or anything, but I think every great artist had to go through a "four-legged ducks" phase and make their own mistakes, to learn and finally become proficient. I mean, they all started as beginners, right?
Well, except for Mozart, I guess...
But anyway, It'd be great to see their "human side", and compare ourselves to that. Or, at least _I think_ that would help people like me.
Another thing that always helps me getting out of that feeling of inadequacy (especially when it comes to creativity and starting a new project) is thinking about when I was one or two years old.
We learn a lot during those years of our lives (speaking, walking, and all that jazz). I actually think that's when we learn and improve the most. And we don't ask ourselves if that makes sense or not, and what happens if we make mistakes. We just wanna do that, and we go for it. And we get it.
And mistakes are a necessary part of the process, but we don't care.
And, you know, when it comes to myself specifically, I *believe* that I'll get to make it, if that's the reason why I'm here in this world. I just have to ask for help when I know I can't do that all by myself.
I hope what I wrote made sense. Now I'm going back to sleep! Yesterday I slept something like 14 hours out of 24. Is it possible to have the flu in September? Maybe I'm special because of that...
Okay, never mind.
Have a nice day! :)
In other words, a fear of mortality.
Wow. This is exactly how I was feeling yesterday. If it makes you feel any better, you aren’t the only joker this happens to. Maybe there’s something in the air with this hurricane on the way 🤔
It’s almost a catch-22. We’re “supposed” to have these goals and things we’re working toward accomplishing. Yet, when it doesn’t happen the way we planned it out in our minds, it kind of feels like a failure/let down.
On the flip side, you *could* accomplish these goals, but then you’re in this cycle of continuously having to set more and more goals to feel like your life has meaning. Lol. Wow, I sound like a martyr! Sorry to whoever is reading this. Don’t listen to me! Stick to your goals in life and if sh*t doesn’t work out, who cares? We’re all gonna die someday anyways. Might as well endure the suffering and see what sticks. ((🎻🎵
Maybe we should all just accept that some days are going to be better than others. 🤷🏼♀️
Maybe this is a sign we should all be volunteering to help out with the hurricane relief! 🤯 Anyone with me? Nah? K. 🐸☕️
Hey man, look at Marvin's hand. He can't play with his hands like that, and we can't play without him.
Thanks for the pointers, Frank! Pretty soon I'll be insta-nihilisming in my sleep. ;)
Yup! I was hit by this today 🙁 I think in this case it was stress, exhaustion and sadness combining, leading to The Fear (my name for Instant Nihilism. Much less evocative than your coinage...) It is a vertiginous feeling - a dizzying glimpse into the void of meaninglessness and despair. Absolutely horrible! Thankfully usually temporary but almost more upsetting when there's no obvious reason for it (in which case I call it The Mean Reds, after Breakfast At Tiffany's.)
(My very lovely friend says that I *am* ruled by the moon 😅 That always makes me chuckle.)
Anyhow. Instant Nihilism/The Fear sucks (to be very American for a moment 😅) I'm consciously forming my plan for a better day tomorrow. My only defence against it is to build simple/reliably joyful things into my day - remember to listen to some music that I love, make sure I get outside for a little while to change my perspective. Tiny, conscious choices that reconnect me to happier thoughts/moments.
I like to meditate on the words 'nothing matters'. They can mean the opposite depending on whether you emphasise 'matters'.
Not gonna lie, I put off watching this for awhile because I saw “nihilism“ in the title, and I was like, “My brain is not ready for that this early in the morning.”
It happens to me too. When I'm studying I compare myselft to other friends or other people, and I think, why am I doing this? there is already a lot of people that are doing the same as me and then, I think that this is meaningless, I'm not necessary in the world, why do I even exist?... and similar question that gets me to the point of not wanting to do anything...
Perhaps part of the problem is our attachment to a certain idea of what “meaning” means. There are lots of kinds of meanings or meaningfulness, but when we are attached when we see particular meanings not being fulfilled or playing out in reality, then we perceive meaninglessness because in fact it is a lack of a particular notion of meaning that we are attached to. Like if we perceive ourselves in a utilitarian way, that our lives only have meaning if we are making what we perceive to be a significant enough difference in the world, then we will always be disappointed in our failure to live up to that meaning. It is equally unhelpful to say simply that everyone has an intrinsic meaning, because then there is no room for distinction of various kinds and degrees of meaning, so it also feels equally meaningless to say everything has meaning. The path of personal fulfillment likely falls somewhere in a more nuanced space between being dependently attached to particular meanings and being completely detached in accepting a kind of all-encompassing meaning that carries no distinctions of thought. Just thinking out loud here.
Solomon in Ecclesiastes has the best nihilistic spiel. Ecclesiastes 1:2 "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless."
#relatable
Aw man. We all probably wish we could meet you so bad. What would it be like to have a friend who thinks just like you in real life? I wish we all could do one big Meetup .
It seems I am obsessed with meaning. And I don't think it's because I just want there to be meaning, I think it's because I want to know truth and I want to know what matters, objectively.
I go through layers and layers with this same question of meaning. When I find one level of what matters and what doesn't, I find after a while, there's another level to the question. I feel as the years go on, I come closer and closer to the reality of what life is and what it's for. If you're anything like me, you won't be happy just ignoring the question. There's fulfillment in digging into it and finding answers and aligning your life with it. I have changed my life course so many times... I'm unsatisfied going through motions that I don't know the context of why I am doing them. Everything I do has to tie Into what I've found the meaning to be. For example, I can go to work if I know I need the money to put toward practically fulfilling my ideals. It helps so much. That nagging nagging feeling of "why does this matter?" Haunts me if I don't know it. I don't know how anyone can live without seeking out their deepest concern... I don't think this is just a fluke of chemistry in your body. I highly suggest digging into the question!
I do believe there is truth, and purpose, and it's found in God. I have been studying even 15 years past the time I realized God exists, and I'm still going deeper into what matters and what doesn't. It's fascinating.
To sum up everything , here's what matters , I think: (although these things have to come to your mind, heart, and spirit in a way that's personal and real to you so you can really know it.) But for future reference, my life findings say that the only thing that matters is what is eternal. The only thing going past this temporary life are your spirit and others spirits who find the truth as well. So #1 is finding God, salvation, and being a part of that experience in other's lives. Then , realizing this temporal realm (life on Earth before death and eternal life) doesn't matter , in a sense. In another sense it is the place we can affect the life to come , that actually does really matter, so in that sense, this life matters too. Spiritual growth, truth, God, salvation, evangelism, and love, all matter. Everything else in this life can be tools for or against those meaningful, (or as the Bible puts it , "lasting") things.
I think you know innately that you want to affect others for good, and that you have giftings that can be used to reach wide audiences. To be famous just for yourself to say, "wow , I'm a big deal" may feel good , but it isn't meaningful. You being someone and known has to benefit others to be truly worthwhile. It seems your inevitable path at this point. It will be good for you to know what you want your message to be!
Without love we are nothing.
Adriana Popa .like the song long train running by the doobie brothers- your words to music !