Nihilism: Are We Missing the Point?

[@WisecrackEDU]

Hey all - this is an attempt at doing something more straight-up philosophical. If you dig this format, let us know! And let us know what other philosophical questions, topics, or figures you want to see us cover. And if you really enjoyed this, consider sharing with someone who you think might dig it! Thanks y'all.

[@Frankie_Frawgz]

Loved it! 🙌

[@PaperySloth]

I think there was an overabundance of pop culture clips, could have used more content. Otherwise a great idea.

[@seanphurley]

I dig this format, more on the response to nihilism in the 20th and 21st century in media, philosophy, psychology please

[@Hel1mutt]

Thanks for making this!

[@riy987]

Loved it.

[@DustinMaxim1015]

This was the best piece of content you’ve made in years. More like this, please!

[@WisecrackEDU]

Seriously, thank you! And hopefully we can more!

[@cuppiesaur]

YES. 1000x YES!

[@WisecrackEDU]

@@cuppiesaur THANK YOU!

[@luxweaver2706]

I deeply enjoyed it as well. It was the philosophy that attracted me here in the first place. Philosophy allows you to not just analyze the reflection of the world that is media but, unlike other channels, analyze the world itself.

[@Copeland1211]

Absolutely keep this going!

[@DrCharlesColeIII]

Letting you know I like this format. It feels like a return to form. I don’t know if everyone else loves it or not, but I genuinely appreciate it. It’s ok to be smart and direct in a world that clickbaits and oversimplifies complex things. Peace.

[@m0b5pawn94]

Agreed ✋

[@michaelallen2222]

I was literally thinking “this video is really good“ towards the end, and then he finally pointed out that it was more centered on a specific area of philosophy than it was on any particular piece of popular media. More, please!

[@TheGallantDrake]

This was incredible, I thought I was the only one who’d thought of “toxic individuality”, but it turns out de Beauvoir had thought of it decades ago! Thank you for inspiring a new passion for studying philosophy.

[@yairliebert]

I love this new philosophy format. It is more pure and clear. Please keep it up.

[@WisecrackEDU]

Thanks! Hopefully we can!

[@TheDSasterX]

@@WisecrackEDU Please do! I'd love to see you guys summarize not just the big names/schools but also explore the newest developments! Some Ideas: a mini-series on all the different developments of "punk" from just punk to steam/diesel/retro punk styles to cyberpunk to solarpunk and whatever else is going on Michael's book is on Kierkegaard, right? Why not turn that into a series for the illiterate masses? 😅 What if there was a collection breaking down the Greek cannon? I know they're all kind of interrelated but about all I can ever remember is that So-crates hung out with Playdough Why not delve into series on eastern philosophy, native philosophy, african philosophy!? Go crazy and do something on logic or go all out and just start preaching socialism outright :D

[@JackSparrow-re4ql]

Some of us have wanted more philosophy and less memes for a while now...

[@naftalibendavid]

Liked this format a lot. I am sure you could go down the standard list with existentialism, stoicism, hedonism, etc. Or “philosopher of the day.” Your natural interest comes through. It’s fun to watch.

[@WisecrackEDU]

Thanks Mitch!

[@martellreed934]

Love philosophical videos from you guys! Keep them up!

[@WisecrackEDU]

Thanks a ton!

[@The_Eyes_Have_It]

As someone who has been sick to death of (seemingly massive waves of) people stopping at the surface level of "nothing matters", I am so, so glad you made this video. Definitely interested in more philosophies content.

[@Fedor8888888888888]

I DO dig this format, and I WOULD like to see more of it. I also appreciated the medley of pop culture artifacts engaged with, rather than a fixation on the philosophy of a single piece of media. Definitely interested in seeing more in this vein! I’m a sucker for anything post-post-modernist or digi-modernist, if you’re taking suggestions!

[@Dollightful]

Just the other day my hubby and I were trying to pinpoint what Nihilism actually was. Nice timing, Wisecrack!

[@br3nto]

I’m surprised though… the way he describes nihilism and how it developed makes nihilism seem very one dimensional… like it’s just a perspective rather than something we could go about testing and proving.

[@deep_fried_analysis]

@@br3nto The definition is what you make it to be. And that is inherently multidimentional. YOU just simply don't know what to do with the message so you think it's one-dimentional.

[@br3nto]

@@deep_fried_analysis the definition is quite well defined… I think the vid describes it one dimensionally because it focusses so much on what it means to live in a world without inherent meaning or value and I think describes the struggles that many philosophers faced with relearning or integrating this back into their previous foundational knowledge… so much time spent on rethinking what already was… I think they were so focussed on the aspect of lack of inherent meaning and value that they failed to see perhaps how everything we see and experience is built on top of nihilism. Nihilism isn’t someone choosing to continue with the lie of life after they see it’s meaningless… no, everything everyone does is because of nihilism… much of science is the search into the nothingness to see beyond what we currently know… religion is the exact same thing, just a different tale on it… both are fuelled by the idea that something is in or beyond the nothingness, but the more we look, the nothingness recedes and we find more stuff, more detail, more complexity… everything is fuelled by nihilism… it leads to concepts of contract theory and group theory and game theory and it doesn’t just apply to humans, it applies to everything… so yeah, what was portrayed in the video was one dimensional… I wanted to see more dimensions. The concept of no inherent meaning or value and how we deal with that isn’t the interesting part of nihilism… it’s just the beginning… the questions why is there no inherent value or meaning and how and why does culture and art and value and meaning and politics and interaction exist in a world without inherent meaning or value? It also logically proves that epistemological nihilism and similar concepts are just wrong. Those are a few of the interesting philosophical questions and topics about nihilism.

[@seratoxin3825]

don't look to wisecrack for the answer, they have no idea. they didn't even mention a single nihilist writer, terrorist, or other figure, in the video. the video just talks about other writers, like nietzsche, who also misunderstood the term. the nihilist movement was around before nietzsche, and evolved independently from him, and still exists today. nothing in this video touched on anything related to ACTUAL nihilism. in short; nihilism is opposition to all forms of hierarchy, authority, and oppression. it rejects governance, religion, capitalism, morality, and any repressive concepts like duty, purpose, etc. if you want to know about actual nihilism, look to the writings of Renzo Novatore, Enzo Martucci, Aragorn, maybe even Bob Black (tho no one likes him anymore)...

[@rebekahnice7755]

The KZbin universe cross over I never expected lmao

[@Nihilistless]

This is a fresh breath of air. The content is great but deep dives into schools of thought in particular would be amazing.

[@Touhou20246]

I agree with you.

[@Wintertalon]

Absolutely love the philosophical content. Diving into existentialism, postmodernism, and general political philosophy in particular will always tantalize my brain meats. Thanks for all you do!

[@gennaroconnors9304]

I've never been an angry 17 year old atheist . i currently AM an angry, 54 year old atheist. so I've got that going for me. Loved, absolutely LOVED this style of video. i've been an on again off again nihilist for years, i'm pretty much a nihilist at heart. Keep up the great work.

[@halfpint90]

Atheism is the hubris of man believing they have all the answers to things that aren't supposed to be understood

[@kachunlay697]

Thank you all at the Wisecrack team for making this video. The deeper dive into philosophical concepts such as this one is truly more intriguing, and in my humble and non-philosopher's opinion, the fact that you're using movies and other cultural commodities to amplify the points betweeen passive and active nihilism is one of the many great examples what makes this channel so great.

[@HFBeal]

Absolutely loved this style of video. Maybe y’all could do a video on some of the process of meaning-making? Like a part 2 to this concept. The absence of traditional systems leaves a pretty big hole to fill, and I often feel left to my own devices and directionless, which just increases my time on apps because they reduce that feeling in the moment but create more of it over time. Thank you guys for the great content 🙏

[@WisecrackEDU]

That's a great idea, and I think there's probably a few videos that could be made about different ways we construct meaning.

[@HFBeal]

@@WisecrackEDU Glad to hear it, I’d enjoy it! And hopefully others too. You guys do really important work, thank you :)

[@adamcase3274]

This examination of explicitly philosophical content is great, it goes back to the roots of the channel when you did 8 bit philosophy. Enjoyed this alot. Covering Stoicism or Cynicism would be great

[@WisecrackEDU]

Both great ideas.

[@MsAngieNightmare]

Agreed

[@kalynaq7720]

@@MsAngieNightmare Here here. Cynicism has been my growing pet philosophical enthusiasm for a while, i love simply stating the idea that rich people are being shitty by staying rich. Still and all, i'd love a primer to help me be less wrong about it.

[@Batmanshypeman]

Stoicism is what keeps me sane in this world. Marcus Aurelias is a great inspiration to me a man with absolutely power but till just a man.

[@joelgottfried5849]

@@WisecrackEDU DO MORE OF THIS LOVED IT

[@myster54]

Michael I was literally about to cry when I heard that nihilism is a concept that accepts meaninglessness yet looks for more. Please keep up making these kind of content. I feel urged to rewatch this a few more times. Finally, you may consider to argue whether the trend for nihilizm correlates the rise of inhumanity. Note: I watched Office Space, I believe some movies are intentionally put away to be unseen. This masterpiece is one of them. Why are there so few movies and series about business life while today's people spend too much time at work?

[@loganhurley5590]

This is such a drastic and radical improvement over most previous philosophy videos Wisecrack has done. Intensely.

[@lucasafaria]

As a former sixteen years old nihilist emo, I must say that I loved this vídeo. The format is great, the content even better. I would love more vídeos like this. Specially about complex concepts, like nihilism.

[@Xiox]

I like this explainer style video. A mixture of these and the more pop culture related ones coming out on this channel would be perfect. Also doing my part and commenting to make this successful :)

[@WisecrackEDU]

Thanks for the feedback Greg. And also thanks for feeding the algorithm machine.

[@majoukrahe1437]

I second the mixed format idea. It's good to explain the core ideas behind topics like this.

[@TheLordCommander]

Immediately self identifying as former angry 17 year old nihilist.

[@elihan9]

Same, then the "calamity" happened. My cynicism and fear were replaced by conviction and anger.

[@archkittens]

Samesies

[@eyankowitz5793]

An important, indispensable, and deeply cringe part of my development as a human being at 14

[@RuneDrageon]

Was an angry nihilist atheist on and off for a while, but the last year changed all that.

[@sofiesdeco118]

Me too!! Still atheist though 🤣

[@mattpaul8173]

This is fantastic! You are creating a framework through which I can much better understand the rest of your videos, and are presenting it in a way that is enjoyable and insightful. Way better than Philosophy 101 that I snoozed my way through.

[@nagamata]

Yes! Please make more straight ahead philosophy rundowns like this. Videos like this one are great for self reflection, as well as whittling concepts down to a finer shape so plebs like myself can better understand this chaotic existence. In my experience, knowing even a little bit about psychology and philosophy helps a lot in perceiving and understanding behaviors more astutely, both in myself and others.

[@Adbgdry]

I recently discovered this channel through your live videos and I now can‘t imagine life without them! Great video! I watched it 2x in a row! ♥️

[@davehvizdos]

This is a nice return to form for WC! A deeper take on the old 8bit Philosophy videos, while still being accessible. This is what the channel needs! Please more! If you could do a Camus/absurdist video I would be stoked!

[@JaimeNyx15]

I actually like explicitly philosophical videos from y'all. You still did a good job keeping it relevant to most folks' frames of reference but tying the discussion to pop culture, but it allowed you to go into interesting larger points. I'd be down to see another one of these vids again, and I don't think it's that far off from your normal content, tbh

[@WisecrackEDU]

Thanks a ton Jaime. Hopefully we can get some more videos like this in the pipeline.

[@checkthestache]

Been a fan since Earthling Cinema, Thugnotes and Jarred. Love how you approached this video. Philosophy is intriguing! Thanks for explaining these deep concepts in a way that is easy to understand, and for pinpointing philosophical motifs in works of pop culture.

[@kitsura]

Yeah is Earthling Cinema not returning back?

[@esean1]

Subscribing to you guys is one of the smartest decisions I've recently made. So much food for thought and all presented in a fun, entertaining manner.

[@stereobangbang]

Absolutely make more like this. Your breakdowns of philosophy are understandable, poignant and humorous enough to keep it entertaining. More please, I believe the audience is out here.

[@YaleStewartArt]

I really enjoyed this style of video. The pop-culture touchpoint videos are great, but this was a refreshing change of pace. I'd love to see more like this. A reading list at the end would be a cool addition.

[@WisecrackEDU]

Good call on the reading list, Yale.

[@El-Mobtade2]

​@@WisecrackEDU i love your videos !!!!

[@El-Mobtade2]

​@@WisecrackEDU This onenwas really really great too ❤

[@OpenSourceAnarchist]

One of my favorite videos you've put out recently. I love the more philosophical deep dives since it really helps ground and contextualize the cultural examples. And yes, I used to be an edgy atheist nihilist at 17. One ego death and lots of meditation later, I'm a Buddhist that just wants all sentient beings to achieve liberation :)

[@baptistefiume2294]

Can you tell me what do you mean by ego death ?

[@OpenSourceAnarchist]

@@baptistefiume2294 great point, that term gets used a lot and it means something different to everyone. The best description I have seen that matches the experience is Level 4 "Unity and interconnectedness" on the PsychonautWiki. It was a progression from 1, 2, 3, and eventually a merging with all known reality, oneness with all existent things. Impossible to describe in words, truly sorry.

[@mariusciolacu9820]

Mushrooms do that, I won't lie 😅

[@Acoolakim007]

Iirc Nietzsche viewed (parts of) Buddhism as nihilistic? At least Gertz brings this up in his other book "Nihilism and Technology"

[@BadassRaiden]

Yes more videos like this! Would love to see videos explaining some of the subtle differences. Also, this might be a dumb request, but at least I personally would love to see some videos kind of analyzing how an individual comes to the point where they are an existentialist or absurdist or nihilist, etc. Like I've always wanted to have the attitude of an absurdist. To legitimately be able to be in an awful situation and come out of it, at the very least - laughing on the inside and saying to myself, "how absurd that happened." Again probably a dumb request, as I imagine it's all a case of simply doing it. Next time I'm in a situation that is deeply upsetting because I wanted it to be a different way, I should just start stepping back and acknowledging how the universe will only give me what I get which won't necessarily be in any instance, what I want, and then laughing at how preposterous it is that I keep trying and yet maintain the attitude to continue trying. Like what tools, if any, can I use to help me get to a place where that attitude is more attainable. I'm sure a lot of this I could do in therapy, but unfortunately, there aren't a lot of therapist who also have a great deal of study in philosophy 😆

[@BrokenPuzzle03]

I loved this type of raw philosophy with examples from tv shows. Would be cool to get a video on this about courage, how many characters in tv shows grow during their quests to take on their final battle

[@hectorsanchez8589]

Please make more videos like this, I am a fan of how you guys take complex subjects and explain them in a way that not so educated people like myself can understand them and even get inspired to research ideas that otherwise would not had been available to us. Thank you

[@godthatisfox]

Definitely keep making these kinds of videos. Having the history and context of philosophy explained alongside a set of definitions greatly helps me to understand the world with more clarity. Thank you for making this.

[@uhoh3258]

I love the new style of video, making the media references secondary or more as pop culture examples to support the philosophical ideas is working to not only get the ideas communicated in a useful way but also inspiring in that you can see how creators have used such and such philosophy to support and develop their art

[@Pandaemoni]

As a former optimistic 17-year old atheist, later turned nihilist, I love this style of video and hope to see more of it. On nihilism, I am always a bit unsure about having the freedom to impose my own preferred meaning on my life...because I know that that meaning is ultimately subjective. Being subjective (and mortal) makes it feel somwhat illusory. In the end, whatever path I choose to take, it has no more (and no less) objective value than would the exact opposite path. I see no way to exist _other than_ to make choices, pick a path, based on what feels "meaningful" to me, but I have the sense that I am fooling myself when I perceive the outcomes of my choices as meaningful. And I think "fooling myself" may be inapt. I think I am evolved to "fool myself" in this way, which suggests that I ultimately have less choice, less agency, than I sometimes flatter myself as having.

[@oisindowling7085]

This is very interesting. If we are primed to seek meaning in our lives, we are ultimately limiting ourselves to making decisions we feel lead us to finding/fulfilling meaning. Does our search for meaning make us more human or actually make it more difficult for us to be human? My reference point here is our housecat who - as far as I know - has no desire to find meaning in his life and has achieved ultimate freedom

[@ayou055]

Ultimately if it is meaningful to you at the moment, does it matter?

[@jantorras6702]

why do you need meaning to be objective? that's kinda fascist-pilled

[@Pandaemoni]

@@ayou055 Since subjective meaning is as much as I have ever experienced, no, it does not matter. It's just that part of me finds that unsatisfying. A delusion could be subjectively meaningful or, equivalently, my subjective tastes could change down the road and seemingly retroactively rob me a satisfaction. That being said, I don't know that there is an alternative, I just know that I wish there were a more objective meaning. The good news is that if nothing matters then my existential crisis will also amount to nothing, and so I don't find any reason to stress over it. It's just a fly in the soup.

[@jeremytuttle9439]

​@Kurt I think your hangup on this is mostly three things. I say this assuming you're similar to me and based off my own experience. First is that you're emotionally attached to an idea of a thing that's not real. Objective meaning doesn't just not exist. It can't exist. There is no such thing as meaning without a subject to create it. The thing is, we want ideals of things that don't exist all the time. It's just like being in love with who you think someone is when they aren't really that person. Your idea of that person not only doesn't exist, it was never going to, and could never actually have existed. At some point you realize this and, not to put it too lightly, you get over it. I think the second thing is that you may see yourself as more separate from everything else in reality than you really are. We are no more separate from the whole of the universe as a wave is separate from the ocean. Therefore, the universe objectively has meaning, because you make that. The fact that you are the universe with meaning is objectively true. And the third thing is that you assume an objective truth would not change and so meaning rooted in the fundamental nature of the universe also wouldn't change. This makes you feel that your meaning is somehow not real enough. However, the universe is in constant change. If the universe constantly changes then how could you assume that meaning wouldn't? Maybe I'm just some crazy ranting in the desert, but I hope something helped. :)

[@Waytootiredforthis]

I loved this style of video! Your guys’ channel and community have guided me more towards philosophy and helped me follow it into wanting to minor in it. I felt this type of video was perfect in diving head first into the teachings of it without it being too much to absorb. Thank you for the dope content and hope to see more of this style!❤️

[@juanescobar2895]

I loved this deep dive into philosophy. I’d love to hear more

[@jameslongstaff2762]

I really love these explicitly philosophical videos. In fact I prefer them. If I could go back a second time for my undergrad, I would do philosophy to just learn, so I love how you discuss these ideas so I can compile my reading list.

[@flubderp2894]

Love the explicitly philosophical content! Keep ‘em coming!

[@WisecrackEDU]

Thanks - we really appreciate you digging this.

[@brandonyohn]

This was an excellent breakdown of a very misunderstood concept! This channel has strongly influenced my own dive into existentialism and I love to see you explore these kinds of topics

[@henrymoxley5114]

Honestly this was my favorite video Ive seen from you in awhile. You make philosophy not just digestible , but entertaining to the layman. Please make more of these.

[@GothicOctopus]

Please yes more of this ♡ This is what made me fall in love with this show in the first place

[@vdjKryptosRock]

I’ve always found myself to be closest to a nihilist for years, and I’m glad you’re finally covering this. I have depression, but I enjoy planting things and helping others. ‘Cause heaven and hell are here on this one planet, and I see a lot of hell around me, so might as well make it better when I can.

[@meximan282]

I definitely appreciate the strictly philosophical videos as much as the culture breakdowns. I've read beginner philosophy (like straight up 101) but feel disincentivized to read seminal works at random cause so much seems to be the sort of self defined symbol ridden rambling and I can make that stuff myself lol I enjoy engaging with modern discussions

[@johndowell5572]

I really enjoy this format! I actually first came to this channel hoping to see more examinations and explanations of areas of philosophy! So, thank you so much for making this!! It was really good!

[@VodShod]

I wasn't a 17 year old atheist I actually thought that christianity was just another fantasy story like santa, star wars, and scooby doo. Then after I get in college I realize that people actually believe in it the same way a couple crazy people believe that star wars is real.

[@kingkelz215]

This was a fascinating video. I watched it right after the Joker and Bojack/Rick video, and it certainly tied everything together. A fantastic feat for videos made years apart. Heeding your remarks at the end, albeit months later, *a video on **_hedonism_** would be **_greatly_** appreciated.*

[@Yuezmell]

I love this type of video, please make more of them :)

[@WisecrackEDU]

Hopefully we can!

[@juhjaybrums1119]

Loved this. More please. I want to see if some philosophers discussed aging and how it’s been handled. Us millennials are in the age group now where most of us are almost done or completely past our 20’s. We’ve experienced a lot that past generations haven’t. Perhaps this affects how we handle aging?

[@nikigoturspine7478]

Please do more videos like this, id love for one about the difference between active nihilism and Camu's absurdism

[@KnallisSillan]

I have been waiting for a purely philosophical video from you guys for years! I've been binging you lately because of this. I definitely support these deeper dives.

[@clementine5053]

Really liked this video!! I know it’s a year late!! But definitely keep it up!! Educate the masses!!

[@moniion7415]

Love these types of videos! It really is informative!!

[@WisecrackEDU]

Thanks Moni!

[@uditvikhe]

Appreciate these kinds of videos. Also, thanks for the book suggestion! Could you guys also create a list of books to read on the topics that you cover? (If it already exists then someone please share the URL) Great work with this video!!!

[@vbkllr]

Wisecrack is one of the few channels I subscribe to, and the philosophy is the reason. It is exciting to see a critique of pop culture and the modern world using the great thinkers of the past and present as a framing device, and I personally would love to see more videos like this. While we're at it, I would also love to see more "The philosphy of..." videos about anime and movies, and it would be great to see Helen host videos again, or videos where Michael and Helen present together.

[@Grond112358]

I will use this video to validate my stance on Nihilism. Thank you. I have always endorsed what I call "optimistic nihilism". You've given me an easier way of expressing it. Finished the video; yes, make more philosophical videos. Been a subscriber for a long time due to . . . something you used to do but don't anymore, some kind of literary reviews for the laymen. Can't remember what it was. Dug the alien reviews of movies, I think that was this channel too.

[@oniondip_420]

yes please do more philosophy videos! i miss the days of 8 bit philosophy. the more personal/conversational format also works better i think than the animations from that series (even if they were very cool :) )

[@Troygster1]

A few years ago I left an ultra conservative fundamentalist religion (based in Utah). Surprisingly I found myself more depressed and anxious after leaving than while I was “in”. Turns out losing a world view centered on the belief that a sky-being knows you personally and is looking out for you 24/7 isn’t as easy as it sounds. Anyways, nihilism saved me. I am the author of my destiny. I decide my morals and ideals. Since finding nihilism, I’ve never been more free and happy. Thanks Nietzsche!

[@94noj]

I also explained to my mother who is a member of a religion based out of Utah (gee, I wonder what religion that could be!?) That I'm not taking the easy way out by claiming to be an atheist because that means evil people will live good lives and never get justice, that good people will never get what they deserve. That if I am alone I truly am alone. I am still trying to transition from passive nihilism to active nihilism.

[@kaipakta817]

I might be baptized but kid me still only saw that as a cold bath. There's tons of rebar out there if you need an iron rod!

[@ryanw6493]

It was so hard because you need to stop looking at p*rn sinner!!! ;)

[@breedersjourney]

nerd

[@Laotzu.Goldbug]

You were never the author of anything except your own hubris. That said I'm sympathetic. When someone leaves one extreme they often go to the other, even if that other extreme is equally unhealthy. the supreme virtue in life is balance and harmony.

[@juliacoves5873]

I love this type of video but I'm also a channel member and have a degree in philosophy so I'm probably not the person you're trying to convince. I already watch all your videos haha

[@WisecrackEDU]

Ha, true. But still, we want to make videos that the Julias of the world are also very stoked about!!

[@Liqtor]

I turned Atheist when I was 31. And boy was I angry. I've passed 45 now. Not as angry, but still an Atheist.

[@SimonRusty]

I implore you, create more content like this. This raw, unfiltered philosophy is breathtaking in its honesty and insight. It pierces through the veil of everyday concerns and reveals the profound questions that lie beneath the surface of our lives. This is not mere intellectual entertainment; it is a call to awaken our hearts and minds to the true essence of existence. There is nothing we desire more than this - to embark on a journey of self-discovery, to grapple with the deepest mysteries of the universe, and to find meaning in our fleeting existence. This raw philosophy, devoid of the constraints of academic jargon and societal expectations, offers a direct path to that which we yearn for. It speaks to us in a language we understand, a language of emotions, experiences, and the very fabric of our being. In the face of a world that often feels chaotic and meaningless, this content provides a much-needed anchor. It reminds us of our connection to something greater than ourselves, to a vast tapestry of life that transcends individual limitations. It allows us to see beyond the mundane and to embrace the extraordinary beauty and wonder that lie hidden in plain sight. Therefore, I urge you, create more. Let this raw philosophy flow freely, unhindered by the confines of conventional thought. Share your unfiltered insights, your deepest questions, and your most profound realizations. For in doing so, you will not only enrich your own life, but also illuminate the path for countless others who seek the same solace, the same understanding, and the same sense of purpose.

[@SimonRusty]

For Micheal :)

[@aewilliams76]

Love the deep dive into these concepts. Keep them coming.

[@jamesford3432]

"nothing matters so I might as well enjoy myself" is where I'm at. and honesty it's far more fun than when I was a 17 year old nihilist

[@devvyas6751]

hedonism?

[@dusk2308]

@@devvyas6751 based hedonism

[@j.g.dangerfield3999]

maximize pleasure; minimize suffering

[@lookalivebrett]

I was a sad 20-something nihilist. And it dig this kind of video a lot. Putting the ideas in the forefront and using media to argue the interpretations and perspectives is super effective and prompts one to look at other media with curiosity.

[@WisecrackEDU]

Thanks a ton Brett!

[@lookalivebrett]

@@WisecrackEDU 😎👉👉

[@EDMemm]

As an angsty 30 year old atheist that has spent most of the day having a panic attack while staring at a screen and thinking of my future as a cog in the corporate wheel, this video resonates with me :) I like learning these concepts in a more formal sense. It helps me to connect them to the other videos when I know what we are actually talking about going into them. I'm down for more! Also, I second what another comment said. I would love more time spent on how we develop meaning despite a living in a world that feels increasingly meaningless

[@dericmederos1514]

It's all I think about. Everywhere I look, the food i eat, the entertainment i watch, the clothes i wear, i think I am just a cog to work and buy shit for my corporate overlords.

[@FoxCitrus]

Yes! This is wonderful! Please make more philosophical videos like this 🙏

[@jamienicholas3797]

Loved the format of this video! I love it when you all cover philosophical ideas in depth using popular media to show examples. I would like to see a video on Existentialism

[@Where_is_Waldo]

This was fun to watch, stay nihilist in the good way.

[@Batmanshypeman]

When nothing matters everything does every choice you make carries the weight of the person you’re deciding to become as well as how you’re remembered and viewed by the ones you love. You don’t need a higher reason to strive to leave the world in a better place or be a better person it’s a choice, and making that choice when you don’t have to shows mental fortitude. Love the deeper dives on philosophy guys great stuff.

[@perer005]

Agree. There seems to be a lot of people that think Nihilism only is about breaking up with the Christianity society forced upon you, and stop thinking after that step. It really is about the freedom to decide what is important to you, not to "not care about anything".

[@Matas05]

FIRST for Nihilism 😅😅

[@Badacoo]

Meh.. whatever. Not like it matters anyway. 😂

[@bubsnicket]

​@@Badacoo damnit that's funny.

[@dereckmeriton8601]

I definitely dig this style of video. It explores the topic quite thoroughly with good references and examples. Takes us on a journey.

[@C3raMic]

This style video is cool bud thanks for your time

[@AriesOcean]

I was that 17 year old atheist when I was 19. But just as I hit 20, I realized that life is too short to do the things I don't like. So as of that day, I try to keep my life to what I always wanted. Every day I try to make my life as simple and quiet as possible. I started to write and be an editor, and just tryna live day by day.

[@goosewithagibus]

Vibes. I write stories or KZbin essays, play games, see nature, watch good film. It's a vibe.

[@me0101001000]

"Nihilists are people who don't understand nihilism" -my high school English teacher As for me, nihilism is valuable to me, in that I don't think anything has any INHERENT meaning. I can give any meaning I want. And if I don't want to give something meaning, that's okay. You don't have to have meaning to have value. You don't have to have meaning to have a purpose. But I don't consider myself a nihilist, because it isn't the centerpiece of my paradigm, but it just makes up one of many facets of the lens through which I see the world. I think subscribing to just one belief system isn't the right thing for me to do.

[@WisecrackEDU]

We love your high school English teacher.

[@BenIsFiguringitOut]

These types of video are what brought me to this channel. Please go back to this regularly!

[@boldexistence6954]

I haven't watched a Wisecrack video in a long time. Not because of the video quality or anything like that, I just enjoyed the philosophical videos as they really seemed enlightened above others.

[@teairabuchanan]

I enjoyed this! It was a good refresher and I imagine a lot of people interested in this are already familiar. I think more context might lead to different questions to make the dialogue more complex. 😊

[@KieranChakravorty]

I adored this video, I love (semi)deep dives into topics like this.

[@alive386]

Well looks like I know what movie I'm watching tonight! Love this format, please keeping doing them!

[@sarabanks971]

I did REALLY appreciate the clarity and insight of this video structure. Really well done. Yes please; more of this!

[@michaelcstonebear420]

I came across your channel a couple of months ago and have thoroughly enjoyed it since then. Yes, please do more programs on philosophy. Nietzsche, Russel, May, Nishitanie and Goethe are all good places to start.

[@NicBOIIIIII]

Please make more videos that are explicitly diving into concepts they're my favorite ☺️. I've learned so much from. this Chanel over the years and can't say enough how much I appreciate everything you do!

[@Petra_Athena]

Yes, PLEASE, more videos like this!! - Thank you for doing such a great job!

[@lfcruzlopez02]

I’m a fan of this format of deep dive into philosophy. Please add more!

[@forestayoung]

I enjoy videos that I have to rewind multiple times and read the quotes. This entertains my deep thinker self. I appreciate the well thought out content!!

[@BaconDragon-yr5vf]

Please keep doing this format it's awesome.

[@WikiSorcerer]

It's hard not to lose hope when you start running out of reasons to have it.

[@fernandodeyolanda]

Loved it, please do one about Ponty’s Phenomenology of Perception, and how it relates to Alan Watts The Wisdom of Insecurity. It may sum up the radical idea that our generation really never lives “here”, thus it is eternally divided, creating cognitive friction. Maybe al ser for self destruction? he

[@PhantomPhoton]

Awesome video, please do more like this!

[@ChristopherHemsworthCreative]

LOVE it. Please do more of these for sure! Thank you so much for this content!

[@xendarkstone8046]

I Dig This. Continue to Love Knowing and sharing your experiences and resulting perspectives. Excelsior!

[@Andypants76]

one of my new fav wisecrack videos! i like the historical context

[@NicholasKeene]

This was SUPER awesome!!! Keep it up! Have you cover Stoicism?

[@jamiemarcelle6394]

This was a profound video! I would really love for you to post more like this. I'm not sure if this a particular branch of philosophy but maybe you can do another one on the use of "meta" in media and popculture today, and how it nullifies thoughtful storytelling and scriptwriting?

[@KeepOnWandering]

Great video! I really enjoy the format of starting with a philosophical concept, then getting into the history of its use and meaning before clarifying through modern examples in media

[@nathansturdy7985]

Really loved this new style, hope there's more to come!

[@kimberlymichellethomas9964]

REALLY dig this. More please, and thank you all as always!