I was reading the second chapter from A terrible beauty by Peter Watson again last night before I went to sleep. I read it the first time quick, but it was too complex with many things to examine, that I decided to read it a very slow pace, similar to doing research or even studying.
I will not discuss everything I read in the book, but instead, from time to time, I will post on an interesting topic, term, discovery, etc. There were many items worth discussion in the first three pages from the second chapter, but this time it will be focused on therapeutic nihilism. There was not much discussion on this item, but it was mentioned briefly in one of the paragraphs. This is what was mentioned: therapeutic nihilism, means nothing can be done to cure the ills of society or a sick body. The paragraph itself was discussing the changes, mood in Vienna towards 1900's and how two thoughts existed at that time, individualism (reason) and universalism (religion, institution).
This statement was fascinating. I could have done some research online and found out more, but that is not what I am seeking. What fascinated me about the statement was the negative, dark, and nihilistic approach to problems of society. I asked myself a simple question does this apply to our world today?
I am a pessimist by nature, and such a statement fits well with my way of observing life and society. Now this does not reflect on a certain society or culture, but it amazes me that people try to fix things, and continue to strive to achieve miracles in such settings. That takes determination, courage and sometimes insanity.
Another question that pops up, is why? What makes one so determined to fix the problem? Would it be different if it was related to people instead of concepts?
As I do not like long posts, although I have more to say, I will stop here and let you comment instead, maybe you have interesting comments that would fascinate me.
10 Responses to “Therapeutic Nihilism”
I tend to disagree with that nihilistic approach Purg, and reiterate that statement by adding to it another phrase: nothing can be done to cure the ills of society or a sick body if that society or the sick body is not receptive to cure. And that answers your second question of WHY? The answer is hope; which is a propensity for human nature to live within a healthier society. The degree of this propensity changes from one individual to another though and therefore the level of the determination changes. But we all carry hope, without hope no one would even care to see the the sun shining another day.
Rabab,
ok, thats is the tradtional view of most humans, being blanked by what they see as "hope", which I see is as a mirage. "Hope" is a dangersous concept, because it makes the person think that there is always a way out, when sometimes, there is none.
That being said, humans tend to still believe in the concept that every individual counts and that everyone has the same rights, which is nonsense. The truth is we are not equal, we are separated by different barries that will never crumble, they just shift around, creating an illusion of importance.
ok, thats is the tradtional view of most humans, being blanked by what they see as "hope", which I see is as a mirage. "Hope" is a dangersous concept, because it makes the person think that there is always a way out, when sometimes, there is none.
That being said, humans tend to still believe in the concept that every individual counts and that everyone has the same rights, which is nonsense. The truth is we are not equal, we are separated by different barries that will never crumble, they just shift around, creating an illusion of importance.
Your answer does not surprise me Purg. Knowing your pessimistic tendencies, now notice that I did not say your pessimistic nature, coz that is not a natural tendency. People develop that tendency when they do try and get disappointed and therefore lose hope.
Rabab,
Smart observation and smart comment as usual.
Smart observation and smart comment as usual.
thanx Purgi 
Rabab,
No problem, just do not get used to it.
No problem, just do not get used to it.
I think hope only is not enough. We have to have a defined Goal, wanting to change and True faith. If only 100 person in the society had these three things they could change any thing they want.
I tried it before in some personal matters; it really worked.
I tried it before in some personal matters; it really worked.
TF,
I think you are combining three issues in one complex pot. Faith, goals and need for change are issues on their own that need attention alone.
Now when you combine them and consider them as a possible way to solve the ills of society, I think that is too optimistic.
However, thanks for commenting please come again
I think you are combining three issues in one complex pot. Faith, goals and need for change are issues on their own that need attention alone.
Now when you combine them and consider them as a possible way to solve the ills of society, I think that is too optimistic.
However, thanks for commenting
please come againRandom question(s)..when something goes wrong in your life, do you sit back and let everything take its course? If you see an injustice done, do you walk away from it?
Tough question. It is not always straight forward and easy to know what to do, sometimes it takes time to think about the proper action.
If I have the means to fix injustice, then I would do it. When things goes wrong, one has to take action and try to change things, mostly by either runing away and starting fresh, or sturggling to fix it. The choice is tough and each course of action will lead to a new challenge. How we respond to those challenges defines us.
If I have the means to fix injustice, then I would do it. When things goes wrong, one has to take action and try to change things, mostly by either runing away and starting fresh, or sturggling to fix it. The choice is tough and each course of action will lead to a new challenge. How we respond to those challenges defines us.