I agree that the absence of absolute meaning does not prevent beings such as ourselves from enjoying, loving, and drinking
Conversation
Fictions are perfectly fine, provided we realize they are fictions, that we use them for practical purposes, and that we realize they don't represent ultimate reality, whatever that may be
2
2
2
Nihilism can be cheerful.
It is possible to understand that "meaning" is a human fiction, but despite that, we need not give in to anxiety and/or depression.
1
1
2
Very good point. I can see an argument with regards to semantic here, but in practice I think this agrees with a reject of certain 'philosophical extremes'. Where nihilism becomes problematic is in the fixated/deluded denial of meaning/enjoyment/vividness.
4
3
and where can we find this straw man of evil nihilism?
often in Buddhist philosophy, the glass house which enjoys throwing stones.
2
3
Yes, although I'm not sure it's a straw man. I've met people who were genuinely suffering as a result of fixated nihilism: if they require a skilful unpicking of nihilism to print further suffering, then so be it. I don't care what philosophical labels they use/abuse/offend.
1
IMO, people who suffer the most from this sort of nihilism aren't generally nihilists in any formal sense.
They have far too many ideas about the "meaning" and interpretation of nihilism itself.
1
This, but in the negative, essentially:
1
When many Buddhists refer to nihilism, they are referring to lack of belief in the continuity of mind, i.e., that consciousness survives death of the brain/body.
1
2
Socrates developed a nice method for exposing that, but I'm more fond of Voltaire's. Candide (but for Buddhism) would be a fun read.
1
Of course, I'm not even sure what "Buddhism" would even begin to mean. The branching of that tree makes the Abrahamics look tame by comparison.