Comments on: On Nihilism and Depression

By: Chris Petersen

Chris Petersen — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 06:00:00 +0000

In reply to Ruby.

One thing that helps is a theory that the suffering of nihilism is irrational, therefore nihilism most likely isn’t true. It’s an argument that revolves around the idea that a truly Nihilistic universe would not beget creatures who want meaning.

Also remember that our lack of ability to prove an objective meaning doesn’t mean one does not exist, and don’t let the faithful Nihilists force you to accept their ground as the “starting point”- there are bases in reasoning (such as accepting the data our senses brings us as truth) that are “known” without ever first being proven. You cannot convince someone like this, but you certainly aren’t being irrational (as long as there is a plausible theory of your eternalism)

By: Tomtraplin

Tomtraplin — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 04:41:00 +0000

In reply to Ruby. No problem Ruby. Thanks for the conversation :)

By: Ruby

Ruby — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 02:05:00 +0000

Whoa you are actually pretty introspective and dialectical. Ty 4 responding. Much respect

By: Tomtraplin

Tomtraplin — Sat, 08 Oct 2016 01:54:00 +0000

In reply to Ruby.

Hey Ruby, I appreciate the push back. Maybe you’re right. I can only speak for my subjective experience when it comes to depression, maybe what I felt was not the same as what you or someone with “true” depression may have felt. Real depression may be like drowning in a dark abyssal well and I may have just been wading through a shallow pool, the trouble is I can only comment on what I’ve felt and the only word we have to cover the subject is depression. The word interesting here only applies to the irrational depression I was describing and only in the sense that it was a notably different condition from the rest of my lived experience. However, I agree with you. Interesting as a word is not very interesting and doesn’t add much to a conversation.

As for beating nihilism, becoming a father, getting more sleep, and setting goals were the biggest things contributing to that. Having a child has given my life more meaning than it had before. More sleep makes everything better. And actually working towards something concrete and measurable gives you a sense of progress and accomplishment. Looking back on what you have achieved helps a lot. Ultimately, I think nihilism is an irrational position as well.

A completely reasonable answer to the question “why?” is “why not?”. For me, being an optimist has been a choice that I try to make everyday.

I hope that helps or at least makes sense.

By: Ruby

Ruby — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 10:49:00 +0000

I’m calling you out on your shit dude. You seem pretty optimistic which begs the question, “How did you ‘beat’ nihilism?” Also, you described the feeling of depression as “interesting.” That makes me think that you have never actually experienced it. The term “interesting” means only that of the word itself. It’s a bland, non-descriptive overly used adjective. Depression is NOTHING like “interesting.” In addition, as you stated at the beginning of many of your thoughts, “I feel” that once you get a grip on realizing your nihilism, it’s nearly IMPOSSIBLE to ‘not realize’ it anymore. Once you’re in you’re in and there is little success at getting out, though though even I admit this is tricky since your mind and physical being change following another school of thought. That’s why I am curious as to how exactly you got out of that mindset.

By: Thomas Traplin

Thomas Traplin — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 16:43:37 +0000

In reply to Ribs Donuts Beer. Thanks Mr. Ribs Donuts and Beer! You might be surprised how much a comment like that means to me. The good news is more podcasts are in the works and on the way. As a matter of interest, what episodes/topics did you like the most? I personally enjoyed the ones that kind of go off topic or touched on something philosophical in nature but that's probably obvious. Thanks again!

By: Ribs Donuts Beer

Ribs Donuts Beer — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 14:12:00 +0000

Tom, I really miss your podcasts! Please just put one foot forward and have a leap of faith. I have been in your shoes and fully understand. Take time to enjoy the small details of life.