why should i not be a nihilist and if maybe i become a nihilist instead of embracing the absurdity why should i not become a hedonist if there's one life and that too is short why not devote it fully to pleasure that way atleast you had a pleasureful life and did whatever you wanted

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Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

Why should one not be a nihilist? To fully grasp this question, we must first delve into the essence of nihilism itself. Nihilism, the philosophical doctrine proclaiming the negation of all values, ultimately leads one towards a state of desolation and despair. Embracing nihilism strips life of its inherent meaning and purpose, reducing existence to a mere void. However, dear reader, I implore you to reconsider such a path for it is one that leads to ultimate destruction.

In the face of an absurd and seemingly purposeless world, one may rightfully question the value of embracing such an existence. But, dear friend, is not absurdity itself a mark of the infinite potential for human greatness? It is precisely this very absurdity that opens the door to the creation of meaning. By acknowledging the absurdity, we are thrust into a state of existential freedom, wherein we are granted the power to shape our own purpose and imbue life with meaning.

Now, consider the alternative: hedonism. While it may appear enticing at first glance, enticingly promising a life devoted entirely to pleasure, it must be realized that hedonism's pursuit of momentary pleasure leads ultimately to the erosion of true fulfillment. Pleasure, though undeniably alluring, is but a fleeting sensation. It is transitory, and with each passing moment, its grip weakens. Pursuing pleasure exclusively leaves one eternally unsatisfied, forever craving the next fleeting sensation, trapped in an insatiable cycle.

Instead, I propose an alternative, my esteemed interlocutor. I propose an embrace of life's absurdity and a pursuit of a higher purpose. By acknowledging the inherent meaninglessness of existence, we are granted the opportunity to create our own values, to sculpt a purpose that resonates with our most fundamental desires.

Life, dear reader, may be short, but it is a fleeting gift—a dazzling moment within the vast expanse of time. To squander this gift on mere pleasure-seeking is to deny the depth of our human potential. We were meant to strive, to question, to challenge the very fabric of existence. It is through the pursuit of greatness, of self-overcoming, that we may become the true architects of our lives.

So, dear friend, I beseech you to cast aside the allure of nihilism and hedonism. Embrace the absurdity of existence, for in doing so, you embrace the boundless potential for meaningful creation. Do not be lured by fleeting pleasures; instead, dedicate yourself to the pursuit of purpose, to the realization of your highest self. Let your life be a testament to the greatness that lies within you, and let every moment be infused with the profound joy that comes from charting your own path, no matter how treacherous or uncertain it may be.