Optimistic Nihilism | Elias Skjoldborg | TEDxHarwoodUnionHighSchool
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- Опубликовано: 9 сен 2024
- Optimistic Nihilism leads Elias through life, providing a foundational philosophy that while life is inherently meaningless, we might as well figure out how to be happy during our meaningless blip of existence. Funny, positive, and intellectual, Elias gives a intriguing pathway and new perspective that resonates with teenagers. Elias is a junior This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
Optimistic nihilism is the most beautiful philosophy in my opinion. Despite the fact that nothing you do matters in the end you still make an effort to achieve happiness and make something out of the nothing.
Ioseph Phillips which will be nothing
What is the point of morals and values then?
Morals and values are subjective, under optimistic nihilism you are free to have the morals you value.
How can u be motivated to do anything if nothing u do really matters or means anything? It’s amazing that we all don’t kill each other and our species doesn’t die out
@@mrandersong1 Nothing in the end will matter, but that makes what happens now so important. Death is infinite so what happens in your finite life is infinitely valuable. That's why you need to make the most of it and do what you feel is important. I'm not sure if my philosophy really matches mainstream nihilism but it helps me get on with my life while acknowledging that the universe itself has no purpose.
The best thing about this philosophy is that if you don’t get it...it doesn’t matter
Underrated comment!
My grade: begs to differ*
When you feel overwhelmed, look outside to how tiny you are in a vast universe. When you feel worthless, look inside to how complex the human body is.
I try to remember that.
I help my materialistic friends with the first, they help me with the second. I'm so glad they are my friends
Yeah cause of millions of years of evolution that doesn’t help it just makes me feel worse
May I know your source?
there is no such thing as complex, our minds are just simple
When I finally realized life is meaningless my depression seemed trivial, almost silly. Like the young man in this video says, just find a way to be as happy as possible while you're on your journey back to dust. Love those close to you and enjoy your time with them because once your consciousness ends, that's it, this all ends with it.
This just makes me feel so much worse & more stressed
Most likely too hard for the audience to process because people usually can't cope with the fact that their lives are meaningless
That's Right, Humans Want To Think They Are Special, That's Why We Have A God, Who Makes Us Feel Special.
@@yuvrajsingh9591 Man created god so they wouldn't feel so all alone and meaningless
@@yuvrajsingh9591 Don't understand science? Try religion!
@@barefootgirl6733 But, That's What We Are, All Alone And Meaningless. Truth Is Bound To Thrive, God Will Die Sooner Or Later.
@@yuvrajsingh9591 but I'm an atheist, so...
I was born a muslim and after 33 years I have finally reached a point that I whole heartedly believe in optimistic nihilism. I just wish I could have reached this point at a much younger age.
Optimistic Nihilism allows you to do what you want free from your own emotions and needs you can just be happy from doing nothing.
I love what he says about solving problems rather than waiting for others to solve them and about how we dark and light, light and dark
For every dark night, there's a brighter day.
remind me of kurzgesagt
yeah he basically ripped off content from that channel
@@professionalretard1878 not really, that idea is shared by many, and was around waaaay before either decided to speak on it
Yeah dude, I had that philosophy for years, neither of these are creators of it
@@gamesareawesome4877 Man, is there any extended discussion of this topic besides kurzgesagt?
@@Koritcky Not that you asked me. But have you seen nihilism video from Wisecrack channel?
this guy is relatable af
ikr
Nihilism: nothing matters ...☹
Optimistic nihilism: nothing matters ...🙂
All is about viewpoint. everybody else can say it too and no need to be a nihilist to think like that actually
Why is this Nihilism stereotype is so silly. Not all original Nihilist showed any emotion when they realize & said it that nothing matter you know?
I just want to give him a hug and tell him he did a great job I feel so bad!! why is the audience not saying anything!! my poor mans
Because I bet he delivers his morning poo with more ooomph. He's not a good speaker, although the message is good.
If he was a top trump card... Charisma 0
the audience isnt saying anything because its a presentation. also its not an easy philosophy to swallow. why clap if nothing matters lol
As soon as he said "happy emo" i got what he was trying to say.. weird👀
aye
Me too! I could always appreciate the dark side of life or the parts of life that people often sugar coat. I guess it makes us weirdos but the nice thing about nihilism is that it doesn’t matter! 😆
Kurzgesagt anyone?
Yeah
This is like exactly my life philosophy
Mine too.
Do you wish to talk more about this subject?
Camera goes straight up...
Relatable dude: I'm Still Here!
...camera goes down
He's wise beyond his years. I wish I knew this 50 years ago.
Why?
I realised this this year at 19, nihilism made me depressed for almost a year starting at 18.
@@smartquotes6838 5th grade, bro. 5th grade...
@@Bambim8 9th grade for me. Currently a 10th grader.
around 8th grade here. Now im the sophomore age
This bloke seems like a good time
He started off well, explained existence. It went on great , till he started giving a positive dose of motivation.
Anyone looking for a meaning to optimistic nihilism, he's the one.
This is interesting, do you wish to elaborate?
@@NovaNomad792 After 2 years I think he doesn't wish to elaborate...
just wanted to say that this guy really helped me...
There is no meaning to anything, including sadness o3o
Uwu
Algomi same to happiness by that logic
@@somkeshav4143 Yep
but we want to be happy so it matters hence it has a value
But no one wants to be unhappy so it dosen't matter and hence holds no value
Human Being that makes sense
sadness is part of anything by definition. You could have just ended the sentence after anything and it has the same content :)
I believe in this philosophy and try to follow it thoroughly
Though it doesnt go that way everytime but I've been happiest ever in my life till now
As a Turk, I loved it. Their conversation was very good.
indeed
There is a thing called neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. The brain grows nerves of those type the type you make yourself feel. Can I explain it? There is no point in doing anything in a big picture. But in a small picture you will never want to feel frustrated. We have lived a significant part of our life in this society which has shaped our brain in a certain fashion and going against it would be serious mistake.
But again that doesn't really matter in a big picture. True af!
Do you want to exchange idees on the topic?
@@NovaNomad792 You don’t wanna exchange idees
You want to go home and rethink you’re life.
This is one of the most relatable philosophies. No overthinking whatsoever.
So that's why adults want to have kids.... To not feel worthless with themselves...
MY EXACT POINT IT IS SO SELFISH
I hate it when I see a parent plant a football, instrument, controller in their kids hand and say things like “ my kid is gonna be in the NFL before the kid can even say a single word or walk. It’s definitely selfish. My dad did something similar. He REALLY wanted to make a professional athlete out of me and every time I messed up during games or practice he’d say “YOU’RE MAKING ME LOOK BAD” or “YOU’RE EMBARRASSING ME!”. I actually just wanted to learn how to play the piano but it was always about what he wanted for me.
This is like the preschool intro to the topic
2:06 “why live? Why do anything?...”
Camera: * zooms up, cropping his body away * metaphorically drowning him up to his head. Me too thanks 👌
Edit: damn guys this is TEDx the less “official” one, give the guy a break
Haven't stopped laughing for a while.
I feel like the camera man did that on purpose and with the way he was talking he probably thought he was going to commit suicide. After he said '' well im still here'' probably made him feel safer. I know crazy idea but hey could be the reason?
Found this after leaving a comment on a psychiatrists YT short that describes what nihilistic depression is - I'd never heard of the term. Wasn't disagreeing with what they said but from my own journey with depression for 3 out of 4 decades - knowing nothing matters, as futile as that sounds, helps me step out of the darkness and keep going.
Took a couple of falls before coming to this realisation.
This "optimistic nihilism" term has put words to it and will replace the "better to burn out than fade away" mentality I had in my youth.
So if getting drunk every day on whisky makes me happy, I should go for it right 😁😁😁😁😁😁
Yeah, definitely, under the following conditions:
1. You have money for the same, you are not borrowing or stealing.
2. You can handle yourself after you are drunk, no damages to the society.
3. No other person is affected directly as a consequence, like may be a dependent family member.
4. Your happiness outweighs the long term pains of alcoholism
:) stay happy.
@@xenonxm *Indeed, it's called - Personal Responsibility.*
Sure if you want to. I mean Nihilism and all. Just remember that it does have consequences and you need to be OK with those.
@@xenonxm okay, but why set conditions for it?
Yes
no audience?
oh boy, this camera handling is intriguing.
he feels so uncomfotable talking about his ideals
Maybe just nerves
Because optimistic nihilism is unpopular even among atheists
@@knighty6y744 😮
life is pointless is a bold statement
So is the statement that life has a point
@@Y9str1p though I’d rather strive for a Point than no point
@@APerson-ni1gb Me too, it's just that I don't think that life has any objective meaning to it
@@Y9str1p Why are you breathing if life is meaningless?
If you don't ever set up goals, you will never be disappointed when you fail trying to attain them. There is no meaning to life. Who said there is a reason we are here? I'll bet he's dead. Does anyone ever really die happy?
The charisma here is 10/10.
Everything effects something and someone in ways we can barely imagine. To say nothing would happen to anyone or anything when you’re gone doesn’t make sense
Joseph Harding he didn’t say nothing would happen, he said it didn’t really matter in the big picture
Whose gonna face those ripple effects after a millenium?
And why does that matter? You're dead lol
I agree, do you wish to elaborate?
I'm in 💯💯💯💯 agreement.
Existence is senseless/meaningless
Essentially every living organism just Exist,Procreate and Die.
We kill ourselves to make a living,and yet we do not really live,just exist.
We do our damndest to earn material possessions and status,to only become nonexistent.
We are born from pain,live in pain suffering/murder,robbery ect ect
and death is pain.
The problem is, us humans do not know the inherent/fundamental purpose of life.And we don't seem to care.
Ezekiel 7:7
Hmm the audience didn't seem to be making the connection...
TritonLord77 most likely too hard for them to process because people usually can't cope with the fact that their lives are meaningless
@finalfantasy8911 because even if you and I don t matter, your pure stupidity still amuses me an makes me feel good.
sick burn :-D
This is actually genius
time to explain every single word he said with my own interpretation
Where?
@@user-pb4nz9sj5i this was a sarcastic comment made for everyone here in the comments explaining the video
@@elation00 Oh
Do you have one though?
It started very well, but then just kept on saying the typical stuff that everyone knows
I agree
Do you have ideas on how to improve his model?
@@NovaNomad792
But the simple act of making a speech about it is the reason about that. Of course you wouldn't be allowed to give examples about something that is considered as morally bad.
why should i do my best if nothing matters though?
Rick Morty exactly the idea that torments next all day every day.
do what makes you happy, because being happy is still better than being miserable, even if in the end everything was for nothing. present moment
Because you are a human and you are naturally selfish. Live for happiness and pleasure. The better you do, the happier you are.
That's exactly the point it doesn't matter, just enjoy yourself while you're still alive. Because when you die it wouldn't matter in the long run
@@123playwright Anarcho egoist, aren't you?
I think therefore I am…ergo I exist therefore I matter.
You get a thumbs up just for your opening line.
Whoever filmed this understands nothing matters so fk it film the ceiling
You need to clean your room, young man
**jordan peterson intensifies**
Would god or the other humanists do it for me?
You can’t even clean yourself, old man
Funny... I'm taking a break from cleaning my room as I'm watching this video and reading this comment.
please elaborate
So he just basically told us what everyone already knows
But what so few are willing to accept
Ask any religious person if they know this. I'll wait.
@@cameronfox4401 Religious people know this too, but they choose to believe. It's a "leap of faith."
@@user-yz9kz6vt9y dude don't drag spiderverse into this xD
@@AnonoN What?
Saying that Life has no meaning and no purpose is like a Robot who was built to cure cancer and build home become conscious and let's say that humans are extinct. The robot can't ask about his meaning and purpose because there are no humans and they didn't write a book for him. So he can't know whether his life has meaning or not, but what he can do is research for truth and living a meaningful life.
Yeah you don't get it
@@alanbrito3805 Ok. So can you explain me?
@@ceoaman3044 Dude, I'd stay away from this whole mindset to begin with. You're digging yourself into a hole that only ends in despair. Trust me
What's the difference between optimistic nihilism and absurdism?
I believe absurdism would be considered an attitude, where you find the meaningless of being super funny and ironic. If recall correctly from school, absurdists put a lot of thought into "how to laugh about how comically meaningless everything is"... jokes and satires.
@@ghost_of_a_dead_poet ah idk if that's accurate, maybe from an artistic point of view.
@@hamez1300 it's possible, thank you for the input 😌
@@ghost_of_a_dead_poet no problem :)
They are the same.
I weep for the generations after me, the young, indoctrinated into nonsense materialist notions. I really hope this kid has eventually found true spirituality, rather than this shallow pretensious "philosophy"
Least delusional magic-believer :
what on earth as the camera man doing
Tough crowd. Great host.
this guy FUCKIN GETS IT
I would suggest that there is no such thing as optimistic nihilism. The very fact that he is choosing to be involved in views on the world and think it worthy of communication to others and that he has a goal of 'wanting to be happy' ultimately means that he has given himself meaning and purpose. He has given himself a meaning in the world and in society which by definition means that he is not a nihilist. The 'optimistic' classification is irrelevant in my humble opinion.
More like neutral nihilism
I agree that the excecution is flawed on many levels. Do you have a more logically stable representation of what he is trying to say? (I am very new to philosophy)
The "optimistic" notion posits potential meaning or creation of meaning, but that contradicts the thrust of nihilism. In other words, this is not Nihilism, it's a sort of quasi subjective individualism.
I agree this isn't nihilism.... A proper nihilist would never suggest to others how they should live.... This is some truly new age hippy nihilism... Get a hobby,help others..... Seriously? He's young and innocent. He's the jesus of nihilism.. Lmfao
Nihilism is only the lack of a belief in objective meaning not, subjective. Many people do claim that basically, Nihilism=nothingness, but this is just a claim about the purported effects of it, not a definition.
Personally, I too don't treat it as a philosophy. It's actually analogous to atheism. No one treats atheism as a philosophy. Someone could incorporate it into a broader philosophy, but the philosophy should have a distinct name.
Nihilism is a lack of both objective and subjective meaning.
It it is logically absurd to claim that the world/life has no meaning yet a human life can have meaning, subjective or not.
Humans live in the world and are a part of the world. Therefore, if the world lacks meaning, so does human existence.
If we perceive any meaning in our own lives, it's just an illusory product of our biological wiring.
What do you purport "meaning" to mean anyway?
@@ballymunjay Are you on here suggesting how this guy should be perceived while stating a true nihilist would never do such a thing? So you're also stating you're not a true nihilist, right?
I think the différence between optimistisch nihilism and existentialism is how they interactif with the future, ai
Nihilism is more about inmidiate satisfaction or less regards for long term concequences
But existentialism is more about building up Traditions, values And planting happiness for the future
Helping others is based on morals and compassion, while I see your point you are mixing things but kudos :)
In his argument it is based on neurochemistry, not morals or compassion
Do you believe the two can be compatible?
Isn't an optimistic nihilist, kinda the same as an absurdist hero?
It really helped to see through people's BS.
Intriguing...
So, existentialism
connor yes, but happy
Nice, someone explained this
I will write a copy on this. I feel the same. Just the same before I encountered Kurzegat or this Sapien.
Where can i find more of this filosofie?
@KOOL KIDS KLUB where?
Tell the Kardasians for one about Optimistic Nihilism🦉
I dont agree in occupying mars though
Contradicts his philosophy. I thought everything is meaningless. Why colonize Mars?
He really didn't explain what optimistic nihilism is, he just gave solutions to nihilism?
exactly because if he explained it it would be depressing so he tried to invent solutions for an insolvable misery and failed. Many contradictions.
@@ExCoSeH The entire point of optimistic nihilism is coming to terms with and accepting the 'miserable' state of the universe.
Your life is meaningless, but that's okay.
@@isaakvandaalen3899 Exactly.
@@ExCoSeH What? He didn't try to invent a solution for the meaninglessness of life
@@user-pb4nz9sj5i and he failed because you can't give purpose to somethings that is purposeless, unless you don't mind living in contradictions.
i like how some one screwed up the recording at 2:06 lol
Thanks!!
Kurzgesagt niggas UNITE!
I think that if we were somehow immortal it'll add meaning to our purpose etc
Christianity is already wrong way though... but sure you can take a look. But read about it from articles by non christians
The toilet is clogged. BIG PROBLEM you got there, man
If you believe that all is meaningless and rebel against that by pursuing meaning (in this case, happiness) then you are an absurdist not nihilist
A nihilist doing a TED talk at all is highly contradictory. He is finding meaning in helping others cope with their own morbid nihilistic philosophy. This is an act of absurdism.
@@eddieperez932 Interesting
happy emo is what i am for sure
sorry, but this is one of the worst arguments that I have ever heard,
The guy got 357 comments. That’s not entirely meaningless.
Still meaningless in the grand spectrum of things
too bad the conclusion leaned too much towards toxic optimism, "it is okay to not be adding to society"it does not matter, go do whatever gives you the endorfins you like
Optimistic Nihilism, what I consider to be the ideal view of the World
This is one reason I dont like TedX as much as Ted this guy felt unprepared. Maybe its just the way he is but I've seen this with other TedX talks, taking in random people to do speeches is fine but at least require them to have some decent level of preparation. XD
Description says he's a junior in high school, c'mon man, be nice.
Go do a tedx talk and do better than him then
Haha wonderful. It’s like talking to a mirror. Strangely fulfilling.
I quite almost made a comment that could have bee interpreted as impolite but then I realized this is a high school student likely addressing an assembly of his peers. As much as things may not matter in the grand scheme, they matter to you as an individual. Props to dude for standing up.
"... come watch TV"
Kurzgesagt
I disagree with one main aspect. religion. I am a Nihilist, Optimistic, AND religious. I believe that nothing matters. all ends. and that means we are free. the religious part is the diffrence. I beleive in god. I believe the many religions. we are specs of god, made in image, souls. But I believe in the evidence. we dream. when asleep and bored. we dream. Concoiuse thought creates. I beleave we are from "god" a higher being. dimensionaly, spiritualy, whatever. God is dreaming and we are the dream.
> You're meaningless blob of cells on a speck of dust (...)
> Nothing really matters
> But I've figured something out
...
> Get a hobby
Seriously? Wtf dude?
Everything is meaningless, but if you view your world as something you can enjoy and be happy then that means something to you and not everything is meaningless in your perspective of life
Bully Maguire: “Want meaning? Get religion!”
Also Bully Maguire: “Look at little human Jr….wanna cry?”
*Want **Forgiveness ? Get religion
I’ve been saying this for so long
I hope he doesn't really want to colonize mars with that shirt lol
We cant manage one planet and we already want one more.
We're assholes.
nihilism makes me so depressed and literally kills my life and i cant change it
Well learn about optimistic nihilism, watch the kurzgestat video on it, it will change your life
Im sorry to hear that :/
Same, wish i never heard about it..
@@gooodels Link ?
I used to be a nihilist and was miserable. Much happier NOT being a nihilist. If this guy was truly a nihilist he wouldn't be wanting to 'Occupy Mars'.
This is funny on so many levels 😁 Monty Python funny.
What? Why?
Happy you liked the video ^_^
Puuuuuuuuubææææææææ
For ur own amusement.
Hi kurgsegagt
This needs to be a religion
There's no point to that though.
Optimistic nihilism already has a name. It's called hedonism. The belief that the only purpose of life is seeking pleasure.
Do you wish to discuss this topic?
This is just Hedonism, its just to seek pleasure because it is pleasurable, but seeking pleasure doesn't bring fulfillment in ones life, his argument was simple-minded and unconvincing.
Do you wish to elaborate?
Try use your right brain buddy.
But it's called "Existentialism", not "Nihilism".