167: Nihilism - Revision history

FaviFake: simplyfying

2025-06-23T15:24:24Z

simplyfying

The leader of the Red Spiders at 11:18, 23 June 2025

2025-06-23T11:18:30Z

FaviFake: Thanks

2025-06-20T16:23:48Z

Thanks

The leader of the Red Spiders at 20:43, 19 June 2025

2025-06-19T20:43:22Z

The leader of the Red Spiders at 20:42, 19 June 2025

2025-06-19T20:42:16Z

The leader of the Red Spiders at 20:40, 19 June 2025

2025-06-19T20:40:54Z

The leader of the Red Spiders at 20:36, 19 June 2025

2025-06-19T20:36:54Z

The leader of the Red Spiders at 20:35, 19 June 2025

2025-06-19T20:35:55Z

The leader of the Red Spiders at 20:27, 19 June 2025

2025-06-19T20:27:58Z

FaviFake: /* Explanation */

2025-06-10T20:55:16Z

‎Explanation

@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 The title text can be taken in two different ways. One way it can be interpreted is that Cueball is telling Beret Guy to have “normal existential angst” like other guys. People do usually have angst, but not in a existential, nihilistic sort of way. It can also be interpreted as Beret Guy scolding Cueball for having “existential angst” of an abnormal sort rather than having a normal amount of existential angst.
-{{w|Nihilism}} is the philosophy encompassing various views that reject specific facets of existence. Usually, nihilism is viewed as the idea that everything is pointless because we’re all going to die. This is, however, just a specific “position” of nihilism called {{w|existential nihilism}}. Other positions include the idea that moral values are nonexistent ({{w|moral nihilism}}), that knowledge is impossible ({{w|philosophical skepticism}}), etc. The concept of nihilism (or similar ideologies) can be found in the fields of {{w|ethics}}, {{w|epistemology}}, {{w|metaphysical philosophy}}, and {{w|axiology}} (or ‘value theory’).
+{{w|Nihilism}} is a philosophy that rejects some facets of existence. Usually, it's viewed as the idea that everything is pointless because we’re all eventually going to die. This is, however, just a specific “position” of nihilism called {{w|existential nihilism}}. Other positions include the idea that {{w|moral nihilism|moral values don't exist}} and that {{w|philosophical skepticism|knowledge is impossible}}. The concept of nihilism can be found in the fields of {{w|ethics}}, {{w|epistemology}}, {{w|metaphysical philosophy}}, and {{w|axiology}}.
 ==Transcript==

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 ==Explanation==
 [[Cueball]] is walking with [[Beret Guy]] telling him about his beliefs in {{w|nihilism}}. At first, it seems as if he agrees to Cueball's statement, adding his own morbid point of view as if he follows the same psychology. Cueball agrees and continues the conversation, explaining how anything anyone does won't matter eventually, a common belief attributed to nihilists. Beret Guy responds rather dismissively and Cueball stops to ask Beret Guy why he's climbing the tree. When asked why he is doing so, Beret Guy responds with a cheerful and optimistic response about the future more fitting for his character, completely going against Cueball’s lecture. Cueball is now either trying to convince him otherwise or is put off from the sudden change of mood, while Beret Guy is oblivious to this. [[Squirrels]] are a reoccurring character in xkcd.
 The title text can be taken in two different ways. One way it can be interpreted is that Cueball is telling Beret Guy to have “normal existential angst” like other guys. People do usually have angst, but not in a existential, nihilistic sort of way. It can also be interpreted as Beret Guy scolding Cueball for having “existential angst” of an abnormal sort rather than having a normal amount of existential angst.
-{{w|Nihilism}}, contrary to common belief, is not thinking that everything is useless because we will all die. Or rather, it’s not ''only'' thinking that everything is useless because we will all die. This specific ideology is just a position of nihilism called {{w|existential nihilism}}. Nihilism is actually the philosophy encompassing various views that reject specific facets of existence. Other positions include the idea that moral values are nonexistent ({{w|moral nihilism}}), that knowledge is impossible ({{w|philosophical skepticism}}), etc. Nihilism can be found in {{w|ethics}}, {{w|epistemology}}, {{w|metaphysical philosophy}}, and {{w|axiology}}.
+{{w|Nihilism}} is the philosophy encompassing various views that reject specific facets of existence. Usually, nihilism is viewed as the idea that everything is pointless because we’re all going to die. This is, however, just a specific “position” of nihilism called {{w|existential nihilism}}. Other positions include the idea that moral values are nonexistent ({{w|moral nihilism}}), that knowledge is impossible ({{w|philosophical skepticism}}), etc. The concept of nihilism (or similar ideologies) can be found in the fields of {{w|ethics}}, {{w|epistemology}}, {{w|metaphysical philosophy}}, and {{w|axiology}} (or ‘value theory’).
 ==Transcript==

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 ==Explanation==
+{{incomplete|The explanation of nihilism seems too vague. We usually try to define things by saying what they are, not what they are not.}}
-[[Cueball]] is walking with his (maybe) friend [[Beret Guy]]. He is telling him about his beliefs in {{w|nihilism}}. At first, it seems as if he agrees to Cueball’s statement, adding his own morbid point of view (rather halfheartedly) as if he follows the same psychology. At the time of writing, this is very unlike Beret Guy, but as it is his first xkcd appearance, not much is known about his character or personality yet. Cueball agrees and continues to add on to the conversation, explaining how anything anyone does won’t matter in the long run, a common belief attributed to nihilists. Beret Guy, now halfway up a nearby tree, responds rather dismissively, as if he is trying to ignore Cueball’s morbid rant. Cueball keeps going, but stops when he realizes Beret Guy is climbing the tree. When asked why he is doing so, Beret Guy responds with a cheerful and optimistic response about the future more fitting for his character, completely going against Cueball’s lecture. Cueball is now  either trying to convince him otherwise or is completely exasperated/put off from the sudden change of mood. Beret Guy, being the naïve little dude he is, is completely oblivious to this and continues his search in the tree and finds squirrels.
+[[Cueball]] is walking with [[Beret Guy]] telling him about his beliefs in {{w|nihilism}}. At first, it seems as if he agrees to Cueball's statement, adding his own morbid point of view as if he follows the same psychology. Cueball agrees and continues the conversation, explaining how anything anyone does won't matter eventually, a common belief attributed to nihilists. Beret Guy responds rather dismissively and Cueball stops to ask Beret Guy why he's climbing the tree. When asked why he is doing so, Beret Guy responds with a cheerful and optimistic response about the future more fitting for his character, completely going against Cueball’s lecture. Cueball is now either trying to convince him otherwise or is put off from the sudden change of mood, while Beret Guy is oblivious to this. [[Squirrels]] are a reoccurring character in xkcd.
 The title text can be taken in two different ways. One way it can be interpreted is that Cueball is telling Beret Guy to have “normal existential angst” like other guys. People do usually have angst, but not in a existential, nihilistic sort of way. It can also be interpreted as Beret Guy scolding Cueball for having “existential angst” of an abnormal sort rather than having a normal amount of existential angst.
-[[Squirrels]] are a reoccurring character in xkcd.
+{{w|Nihilism}}, contrary to common belief, is not thinking that everything is useless because we will all die. Or rather, it’s not ''only'' thinking that everything is useless because we will all die. This specific ideology is just a position of nihilism called {{w|existential nihilism}}. Nihilism is actually the philosophy encompassing various views that reject specific facets of existence. Other positions include the idea that moral values are nonexistent ({{w|moral nihilism}}), that knowledge is impossible ({{w|philosophical skepticism}}), etc. Nihilism can be found in {{w|ethics}}, {{w|epistemology}}, {{w|metaphysical philosophy}}, and {{w|axiology}}.
 ==Transcript==
@@ Line 34: / Line 32: @@
 ==Trivia==
-This is the first xkcd comic featuring [[Beret Guy]].
+This is the first xkcd comic featuring [[Beret Guy]] and the first comic that mentions [[Squirrels]]. The first drawing of squirrels in a comic is in [[635: Locke and Demosthenes]].
 {{comic discussion}}

@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 [[Squirrels]] are a reoccurring character in xkcd.
-{{w|Nihilism}}, contrary to common belief, is not thinking that everything is useless because we will all die. Or rather, it’s not ''only'' thinking that everything is useless because we will all die. That type of thinking is just a position of nihilism called {{w|existential nihilism}}. Nihilism is actually the philosophy encompassing various views that reject specific facets of existence. Other positions include the idea that moral values are nonexistent ({{w|moral nihilism}}), that knowledge is impossible ({{w|philosophical skepticism}}), etc etc. Nihilism can be found in {{w|ethics}}, {{w|epistemology}}, {{w|metaphysical philosophy}}, and {{w|axiology}}.
+{{w|Nihilism}}, contrary to common belief, is not thinking that everything is useless because we will all die. Or rather, it’s not ''only'' thinking that everything is useless because we will all die. This specific ideology is just a position of nihilism called {{w|existential nihilism}}. Nihilism is actually the philosophy encompassing various views that reject specific facets of existence. Other positions include the idea that moral values are nonexistent ({{w|moral nihilism}}), that knowledge is impossible ({{w|philosophical skepticism}}), etc etc. Nihilism can be found in {{w|ethics}}, {{w|epistemology}}, {{w|metaphysical philosophy}}, and {{w|axiology}}.
 ==Transcript==

@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 [[Squirrels]] are a reoccurring character in xkcd.
-{{w|Nihilism}}, contrary to common belief, is not thinking that everything is useless because we will all die. Or rather, it’s not only thinking that everything is useless because we will all die. That type of thinking is just a position of nihilism called {{w|existential nihilism}}. Nihilism is actually the philosophy encompassing various views that reject specific facets of existence. Other positions include the idea that moral values are nonexistent ({{w|moral nihilism}}), that knowledge is impossible ({{w|philosophical skepticism}}), etc etc. Nihilism can be found in {{w|ethics}}, {{w|epistemology}}, {{w|metaphysical philosophy}}, and {{w|axiology}}.
+{{w|Nihilism}}, contrary to common belief, is not thinking that everything is useless because we will all die. Or rather, it’s not ''only'' thinking that everything is useless because we will all die. That type of thinking is just a position of nihilism called {{w|existential nihilism}}. Nihilism is actually the philosophy encompassing various views that reject specific facets of existence. Other positions include the idea that moral values are nonexistent ({{w|moral nihilism}}), that knowledge is impossible ({{w|philosophical skepticism}}), etc etc. Nihilism can be found in {{w|ethics}}, {{w|epistemology}}, {{w|metaphysical philosophy}}, and {{w|axiology}}.
 ==Transcript==

@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 :[Beret Guy and Cueball approach a tree while talking.]
 :Cueball: There is no God. Our existence is without purpose.
 :Beret Guy: Oh, definitely.
 :Beret Guy: We are adrift in an uncaring void indifferent to all our mortal toil.
 :Cueball: Exactly! In the end, nothing we do matters.
-:[Beret Guy climbs the tree.]
+:[Beret Guy starts to climb the tree.]
 :Beret Guy: Totally.
 :Cueball: We just... Why are you climbing that tree?
-:[Beret Guy is now completely submerged in the tree.]
+:[Beret Guy is now completely in the tree’s branches.]
 :Beret Guy: Because the future is an adventure! Come on!
 :Cueball: But--

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:36, 19 June 2025
Line 8:		Line 8:

	==Explanation==		==Explanation==
−	~~{{incomplete\|The explanation is too short and doesn't fully explain the comic.}}~~

	[[Cueball]] is walking with his (maybe) friend [[Beret Guy]]. He is telling him about his beliefs in {{w\|nihilism}}. At first, it seems as if he agrees to Cueball’s statement, adding his own morbid point of view (rather halfheartedly) as if he follows the same psychology. At the time of writing, this is very unlike Beret Guy, but as it is his first xkcd appearance, not much is known about his character or personality yet. Cueball agrees and continues to add on to the conversation, explaining how anything anyone does won’t matter in the long run, a common belief attributed to nihilists. Beret Guy, now halfway up a nearby tree, responds rather dismissively, as if he is trying to ignore Cueball’s morbid rant. Cueball keeps going, but stops when he realizes Beret Guy is climbing the tree. When asked why he is doing so, Beret Guy responds with a cheerful and optimistic response about the future more fitting for his character, completely going against Cueball’s lecture. Cueball is now either trying to convince him otherwise or is completely exasperated/put off from the sudden change of mood. Beret Guy, being the naïve little dude he is, is completely oblivious to this and continues his search in the tree and finds squirrels.		[[Cueball]] is walking with his (maybe) friend [[Beret Guy]]. He is telling him about his beliefs in {{w\|nihilism}}. At first, it seems as if he agrees to Cueball’s statement, adding his own morbid point of view (rather halfheartedly) as if he follows the same psychology. At the time of writing, this is very unlike Beret Guy, but as it is his first xkcd appearance, not much is known about his character or personality yet. Cueball agrees and continues to add on to the conversation, explaining how anything anyone does won’t matter in the long run, a common belief attributed to nihilists. Beret Guy, now halfway up a nearby tree, responds rather dismissively, as if he is trying to ignore Cueball’s morbid rant. Cueball keeps going, but stops when he realizes Beret Guy is climbing the tree. When asked why he is doing so, Beret Guy responds with a cheerful and optimistic response about the future more fitting for his character, completely going against Cueball’s lecture. Cueball is now either trying to convince him otherwise or is completely exasperated/put off from the sudden change of mood. Beret Guy, being the naïve little dude he is, is completely oblivious to this and continues his search in the tree and finds squirrels.

@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 {{incomplete|The explanation is too short and doesn't fully explain the comic.}}
-It is argued by some that {{w|atheism}} leads to {{w|nihilism}}. One rebuttal would be to reject the premise that there is no purpose outside of fulfilling divine intention, but Randall instead rejects the premise that nihilism ought to be burdensome. As a result, [[Beret Guy]] resolves that, if everything is ultimately meaningless, then it would be more fun to spend one's meaningless existence having fun rather than constantly moping. The presence of squirrels may relate to Beret Guy's head's resemblance to an acorn.
+[[Cueball]] is walking with his (maybe) friend [[Beret Guy]]. He is telling him about his beliefs in {{w|nihilism}}. At first, it seems as if he agrees to Cueball’s statement, adding his own morbid point of view (rather halfheartedly) as if he follows the same psychology. At the time of writing, this is very unlike Beret Guy, but as it is his first xkcd appearance, not much is known about his character or personality yet. Cueball agrees and continues to add on to the conversation, explaining how anything anyone does won’t matter in the long run, a common belief attributed to nihilists. Beret Guy, now halfway up a nearby tree, responds rather dismissively, as if he is trying to ignore Cueball’s morbid rant. Cueball keeps going, but stops when he realizes Beret Guy is climbing the tree. When asked why he is doing so, Beret Guy responds with a cheerful and optimistic response about the future more fitting for his character, completely going against Cueball’s lecture. Cueball is now  either trying to convince him otherwise or is completely exasperated/put off from the sudden change of mood. Beret Guy, being the naïve little dude he is, is completely oblivious to this and continues his search in the tree and finds squirrels.
-As reinforced by the title text, the complete lack of angst on Beret Guy's part is off-putting to other nihilists.
+The title text can be taken in two different ways. One way it can be interpreted is that Cueball is telling Beret Guy to have “normal existential angst” like other guys. People do usually have angst, but not in a existential, nihilistic sort of way. It can also be interpreted as Beret Guy scolding Cueball for having “existential angst” of an abnormal sort rather than having a normal amount of existential angst.
 ==Transcript==