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Optimistic Nihilism

Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell · explainer · Watch on YouTube

Philosophy & ethics

What it is

Kurzgesagt's short animated take on optimistic nihilism. It argues the universe has no inherent meaning, so we are free to create our own and enjoy life.

Why Hacker News recommends it

HN users recommend it as a comforting, clear introduction to nihilism for anxiety, mid-life doubts and feeling behind in life.

  • 5 people recommended it
  • 6 different months
  • 2 strong recommendations
  • first 2018, last 2022

What HN commenters said

  1. “I feel better every time I watch it.”

    Comforting video on not being behind in life.

    dinamic, 2021-04 · Strong recommendation · in “You Are Not ‘Behind’ (2016)”

  2. “I highly recommend it, as they explain these concepts very well in a short 6min video.”

    Short clear explanation of optimistic nihilism.

    vitorbaptistaa, 2022-09 · Strong recommendation · in “Ask HN: Activity and reading to move through mid-life crisis?”

  3. “My favourite was 'Optimistic Nihilism'”

    Kurzgesagt on optimistic nihilism.

    thunderbong, 2018-05 · Recommendation · in “What will happen when an ant falls from the Empire State Building”

  4. “For me, it is about stoic/Zen acceptance of things we cannot change.”

    Optimistic nihilism as acceptance of things we cannot change.

    stared, 2021-02 · Recommendation · in “The Art of Negativity”

  5. “are maybe more accessible takes if nihilism seems too”

    Accessible take on nihilism.

    cupcake-unicorn, 2021-11 · Recommendation · in “In Praise of Idleness (1932)”

Excerpts from Hacker News comments, linked to the originals. Summaries and labels were written by a language model from those comments.

Topics: philosophy, meaning of life, nihilism, stoicism, kurzgesagt

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