How this name derived
Nihilism comes from the Latin nihil, or nothing, which means not anything, that which does not exist. It appears in the verb “annihilate,” meaning to bring to nothing, to destroy completely.
What is Nihilism?
Nihilism is the belief that all values are baseless and that nothing can be known or communicated. It is often associated with extreme pessimism and a radical skepticism that condemns existence. A true nihilist would believe in nothing, have no loyalties, and no purpose other than, perhaps, an impulse to destroy.
Who was an active proponent of Nihilism?
While few philosophers would claim to be nihilists, nihilism is most often associated with Friedrich Nietzsche. For Nietzsche, there is no objective order or structure in the world except what we give it.
Finally, Nihilism is popularly described as the belief that “nothing matters,” but it is more accurately described as the denial or lack of belief in the meaning of life. More specifically, nihilism encourage skepticism and argues that life lacks inherent meaning or purpose. Nihilism usually comes to a person when they lose a major pillar of belief in their life, and suddenly everything else also loses meaning, forcing them to doubt everything in their life.
Nihilism is one world-view that seems too harsh but in reality, if we take it with a pinch of salt, can be very helpful in leading a life that may look dull but feels very complete. This is because there is no meaning to anything outside your mind and no matter how bad or incomplete it might seem to the world outside.