Rob Reimen: What is the Best Society?

Nihilism

"Nihilism means that nothing has any intrinsic value." (6:29) A nihilistic society therefore, would have no concern for anything dealing with intrinsic value rather, only those with extrinsic value. An intrinsic value is the value of the pure nature of a thing. For example most nihilists would agree that there is no supreme being or creator, the purpose of human existence would be completely irrelevant. I do not like the idea of nihilism because it leaves no room for faith, compassion, or optimism. Three aspects of my life that make up my essential being.

In nihilism, one should ask themselves three questions about an object, person or situation. 1) "Is it useful to me?" 2) "What is in it for me?" 3) "Is it good for me?" "If the answer is no than the things become meaningless" When talking about meaning, I automatically think of paideia; the ability to focus on the meaningful aspects of life as opposed to the mundane. As far as paideia is concerned, nihilism is a perfect approach to focus in on things that are meaningful. It is however, a selfish approach, which allows the individual to separate him/herself from the rest of society. This creates a problem because no one man is an island unto himself.

Nihilism gives the individual an allusion of complete independence from humanity. An allusion that has played a pert in causing a moral decline in America. Rob Reimen states that "we are living in a very nihilistic society" (6:21) A nihilist society would be void of any moral standard or belief because no belief or truth is more valuable than another. The moral decline in America can be see in entrainment.

The provocative "no rules" approach of most rock stars sends an unhealthy message to children. The violent nature of movies and video games promotes hostility and intolerance. Finally, the financial rewards given to sport stars and other entertainers as opposed to the financial rewards given to say teachers, or law enforcement officers shows the true priority of most Americans. But from a nihilistic approach these standards are acceptable because every one is looking out for themselvs; there is no love for the concrete other. We are living in a nihilistic society but we are also living in a society that lacks ethical and moral belief.