What Is Existentialism?

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music by Sir Cubworth (titled "Simple Sonata")
The Interview: www.brainpickings.org/2012/07...

[@Sisyphus55]

Here is the channel discord to discuss my mispronunciations and existential grievances: discord.gg/U9DyGJt

[@reedparker5993]

How are you today?

[@Sisyphus55]

good u?

[@Disissid19]

Your stuff is the finest. Goddarn. I'm glad I stumbled across you!

[@kstarmi]

one of the best channels

[@deer-derf]

@@kstarmi true

[@Slashycent]

One must imagine Sisyphus 55 happy.

[@maxonmendel5757]

yes. one day

[@haydndavis7154]

covering all of his work for a goofy highschool english paper, this made my day :)

[@senoreunicornio3227]

Yes Camus, yes :c

[@huhulili9021]

The happy is silent

[@eunada7351]

Fuck you camus. Ahahah

[@stressedbutclownstressed3308]

I once tried to talk about my parents about existentialism they were quick to shut it down and told me to 'stop thinking' as if asking me to stop breathing. Content like this makes me feel understood, in a way :>

[@Bacchasnail]

Keep thinking hard mate. There are a lot of people that dont like this kind of thinking, or are scared of it because of how it frames their lives. Find the people like these fine folks who will discuss with you and think about the function or lack-there-of the universe.

[@unnoticeablynotable8921]

Thinking is painful and some find pain intolerable, just know you are stronger than most.

[@saveriannathan1415]

@@Bacchasnail keep thinking and keep searching for reason, adn purpose

[@lillia4539]

@@Bacchasnail I know this wasnt for me but it still resonated. Thank you

[@Bacchasnail]

@@lillia4539 if it helps anyone then I'm happy. Keep on keeping on my friend.

[@digitalhermit8928]

"However vast the darkness, we must supply our own light" hit me hard, in the best way possible

[@DarkAngelEU]

You should read Camus, if you haven't yet. His essay on the myth of Sisyphus will do you good :) Read it, do not watch videos. They simply do not capture his inspiring message to create a humanity sans ideology.

[@digitalhermit8928]

@@DarkAngelEU I'm familiar with his ideas, but maybe it is time to do his work justice and read something from him. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@V01DIORE]

Though if darkness is the basis and such light is insignificant then why perpetuate the cycle of hardship?

[@user-pb4nz9sj5i]

@@DarkAngelEU What does "sans" mean?

[@DarkAngelEU]

@@user-pb4nz9sj5i Sans is French for 'without', but I find the words can be used very differently because of their linguistic reference. Humanity without ideology reminds me of a apocalyptic free-for-all like the USA, whereas humanity sans ideology gives me a very positive and bright image of a humanity that prefers to live in brotherhood rather than being limited by their cultural heritage, as Camus would have desired. Also, Sans is a neat reference to Undertale, which is one of my favourite video games :)

[@Doctor-Infinite]

I just had an existential moment yesterday and now this uploads I swear to God my FBI agent is messing with me

[@volodyadykun6490]

is existential moment just bruh moment?

[@vinny5638]

@@volodyadykun6490 memes are serving the mainstream utility philosophy never could

[@SharedPhilosophy]

you mean, you swear to the indifferent universe?

[@theNIHILISM]

I am nihilistic, which is better to believe in, existentialism or nihilism, i am treated like a psychopath even tho i am just a broken person, idk what to do... As i type this comm i am only 16

[@SharedPhilosophy]

@@theNIHILISM It really matters how you're going about expressing your nihilism. I would re-evalute your definition of nihilism, because I believe nihilism is basically a unliveable/impossible way to view our meaning in the universe. You simply taking the time to comment this means that you find meaning in something which would be something like the meaningfulness to get help from others or consider the ideas of others.

[@Sleezgaming]

Do you have a video covering absurdism? If not, maybe that's a suggestion for the future. Thanks for the brilliant content :)

[@sanket9305]

There are a couple of videos on Camus iirc. Check em out

[@TheStreetmaniac]

His "THE PLAGUE: A Guide To Living Through A Pandemic By Albert Camus " video might be what you are looking for

[@SecretTapeworm]

@@TheStreetmaniac Yes, I was getting worried because I could've sworn sisyphus has at least touched on absurdism because I watched it but could not find the video myself. Thanks for coming in with the save.

[@Yaer_Low]

His video "On Suicide" covers absurdism extremely well too

[@ohnome3154]

Yes. Thank you jacob! We need more on absurdism

[@darmus8928]

I never knew Stanley delivered that quote in an interview for Playboy. He was a different man, misunderstood by many but thanks to his genius, he opened our eyes to a new perspective.

[@sandfang]

I found that, after the realization, the way to life practically lies in complete immersion. I find it in making music with a friend, even just singing, or in listening to music that I can just describe as sounding like being filled with magic to my ears, or in sports, but also in dancing. The reason that meditation works so well for me is that it removes the layer of constant doubt and meaninglessness, which may be true, but inpractical to everyday life and me just wanting to have a good time. It's quite hard to enjoy enjoyable things and spending "a life well lived" when I carry my excessive thinking and questioning everywhere. I think that Nihilism can really be a mental disease, since I experienced it myself and still feel the lingering dissonance every now and then in my thoughts. I think this is why the flow is mentioned so often nowadays: it makes us forget our existential dilemma, it makes life meaningful for a while (but if then, I think about life having meaning right now, I will lose the momentum and the flow). If you read this up to here, I would be interested in what activity you like to get soaked into!

[@danielnuta-stephansky2909]

i really like this take, thank you for sharing for me escapism is another approach to this issue. i like immersing myself in any good story, whether its a game or a series or w/e

[@cramerfan04]

I tend to get soaked into watching KZbin videos like this one...

[@sandfang]

what works for me: - listening to songs that invite you to put everything down you are doing at the moment, and just listen: open.spotify.com/playlist/1EqLNIXYOqQuzOASVxIjgw?si=h5_v3QuGSHOn8QPQ7ywD6Q - to balance / slackline - obviously meditation - cooking more complicated meals where you have to do things simultaneously - a good book - writing: from journaling to poems

[@masonthewalker]

I guess my flow is just kind of philosophy and thinking in general. Obviously other stuff, like hanging out with friends or playing video games. But, I really enjoy thinking and answer questions that seem to be confusing. Like, Theseus's ship dilemma. Is it still Theseus's ship if only 1 original plank remains? Does it become a different ship when you replace one of the planks? All of these are very interesting to me. So I guess you could kind of consider this my "flow". This could also be the reason why a lot of these philosophies never really depress me or make me feel lost. I think it's because I'm already aware of the ideas they present, but I can more readily accept the reality than some others may be.

[@Divya-zt4we]

I am interested in building up my own mindset about these things, as I'm just 15 I'd like to grow more and know more about life and live it however pointless it is.

[@MichaelKevinIPS]

You are such a generous person to give society this much knowledge ❤❤❤.

[@vinniethepuuh7553]

Even if he is kinda """just""" summarizing it in a perfect way, we have to be thankful to our bringer of light ;)

[@ebunny1652]

While absurdism or optimistic nihilism can certainly be comfortable, I've always felt a bit off about the fact that a lot of these types of videos and ideas tend to end on an optimistic note. I mean I get why, but it just feels wrong, because to me there is no good or bad way to live life. It feels a bit like we as humans desperately want there to be some hope, some light at the end of the tunnel, so we'll try to find or create it somewhere no matter what. It might be necessary to do so to an extent in order to function in our society, I just can't help but feel a bit unsatisfied by it if y'all get what I'm saying. Part of me would prefer it if people just accepted that there is no hope and that it's okay to be sad or depressed.

[@nori_with_rice]

you definitely have a point. depression and sadness have their purposes (which is to tell the person "damn this sucks") and will always strike someone sooner or later. i also agree that its weird that most people try to resort to a fake optimism to ignore "bad" feelings. however, i think real optimism comes from seeing the world the way it is and realizing you can become a better person from where you are right now.

[@ebunny1652]

@@nori_with_rice Yeah definitely not a fan of that "fake" optimism you're talking about, which just comes down to being ignorant or ignoring bad stuff. I do prefer the idea of accepting reality and just trying to deal with it in some way. At least at that point you're not fooling yourself and I think realizing and accepting that everything is meaningless and pointless can give a lot of comfort and, for better or worse, a lot of freedom to do whatever you want. I just don't like having the assumption that one should be happy or content or that one should become a better person. In my eyes there are no "shoulds", at least not without "ifs". Like, yes if you want to live you need to eat and stuff or if you want to be happy it can help to be mindful and have some perspective for example. That might be obvious, but my point is that I try not to take anything for granted, so I always tend to ask "why" about everything, like "why should one try to be happy?" or "why should one stay alive?". That's just me though. It might be silly to some and I realize it might be pointless and never really lead anywhere, but it's hard for me not to question everything. If I don't I feel like I'm just living a mindless life. I do sometimes have to turn that off though if I want to function somewhat normally, otherwise I might just get stuck in some sort of analysis paralysis, never doing anything. Sorry for the ramble. I hope it makes some sense.

[@nori_with_rice]

@@ebunny1652 using capitalization to make this easier to read No, youre fine. That's a totally understandable question to ask, and one that I've been banging around on my head for a while. First, I should probably specify what being a "good" person means to me before I go on. To me, a good person is someone who lives up to their own expectations while improving the lives of others. They don't need to have grandiose dreams or spectacular talent or all of that bullshit everyone won't shut the fuck up about. They just have to be humble, empathetic, and kind (and yeah, I know you've heard this shit a million times probably, but it's more important than you think). Humility lets you see yourself for what you are, good and bad. Empathy lets you see the humanity in others and think about what they possibly could've gone through to act the way they do. Kindness lets you help those around to you without the need for a material reward. When I think about it, there really isn't an objective reason why anyone should become better. People can live their lives the way they want and the universe wouldn't give any shits. I can at least give you my reasons. I guess I personally don't like feeling useless and mediocre. How many people out there live the most mundane and excruciatingly boring lives imaginable and die without doing anything of worth? I'd want to die at least knowing I did something meaningful. If I never wanted to be better, I'd probably be kind of a dick (not that I think you are, you're cool in my book). Plus, by being a good-ish person I can make things in general better as well, though only in small ways. I could say hi to someone and make their day 1% better, and also, I don't have to make myself a martyr, yay. Those are my reasons. I feel like they're a bit selfish and egotistical.

[@ebunny1652]

@@nori_with_rice I should probably make it clear that a lot of the stuff I talked about is mostly my rational side. I tend to be kind of split between that side, which tries to find the truth about everything (even though I think a lot of humanity's most fundamental questions might be unanswerable) and the more instinctual and perhaps more grounded side, who of course does have certain desires, values etc, even though the other side might recognize that a lot of that stuff is pointless. These days I think I lean more towards the latter side, trying to just live more in the reality we live in, interacting with people and trying to live a better and more fulfilling life. Just because of what I said earlier doesn't mean I just act like a dick to everyone and only care about myself, though I do lean a bit towards egotism at times these days. I've actually always valued empathy, humility and kindness a lot. Like you I also don't want to look back on my life later and feel like I've wasted it, but at the same time that feels kind of inevitable no matter what I do, because ultimately nothing I do has any real or objective meaning. I'd like to live every day or moment as it if it is my last, because it could be and I don't want to take my life for granted, but often times I just don't really know what to do because of that existential freedom. If there's nothing telling you what to do, or what's good or bad, then how can you ever make a decision besides just following your instincts and feelings or just choosing randomly? Lately I'm just kind of trying to find some inner peace. I try to be true to myself and not care too much about what others think and I try not to think too much all the time. So leaning a bit towards stuff like buddhism, mindfulness and stoicism, even though I prefer not to attach myself to any particular ideology or philosophy.

[@nori_with_rice]

@@ebunny1652 It's tough, isn't it? The fact that there's nothing telling us what's right and what's wrong really is a conundrum. I personally just follow a basic rule of thumb. If you consciously want to be good, I think it's safe to follow your instincts. If you do something that feels right, that's cool. If you do something that feels wrong, you probably won't want to do it again. Works alright for me, but I don't know how much it would for you.

[@nicholasferruolo8141]

The dark side of the moon album by Pink Floyd nails the idea of trying to comprehend mortality, or at the very least described the cycle in a very eloquent way.

[@understandingart9961]

I fucking love that album

[@InfinitiSin]

Thanks for the hard work Sisyphus mate, 2 videos in one week is a lot of work tbh. Also, Who haven’t watched Stanley Kubrick’s movies please watch them, his literary understanding can be seen through the visual mediums excellently. Most of his movies are philosophical so I guess most people on this channel would enjoy it as well.

[@thijmsimon6168]

Hey I never watched a movie of stanley because I thought they were old and boring but because of you I'm gonna watch them thanks 🐱

[@InfinitiSin]

Thijm Simon Thank you for listening to me as well :)

[@thijmsimon6168]

@@zamor_da ye I always knew it was a classic but never got around to watching gonna watch it tonight!

[@mephisto_ow]

"And finally then he saw himself, in true perspective: a speck, on a blot, on a smudge, on a blemish, on a fleck in a grain of galactic sand amid a billion other beaches and those beaches themselves only made up more grains of sand, and more grains of sand, and more grains of sand, and more grains of sand, and more grains of sand." -some turtleboy

[@callumferry3097]

Is that the depression turtle?

[@mephisto_ow]

@@callumferry3097 yessir

[@sillybilly7590]

I think the baby is amazed at the leaf because he hasn't seen one ten million times

[@rim1931]

The mindset that the boy eventually adopts in this video - is that absurdism?

[@BirdEgg123]

yes.

[@mahmud7645]

No, optimistic nihilism: meaning and purpose for conscious beings exist by virtue of their ability to create meaning. Inherent properties of the human conditions (biological needs, social structures and relations and more) allow subjects to attach value to their action, their work and their beliefs. Optimistic nihilism seeks to find the „good“ in life, which is in the context of nihilism most the time a stand in for meaning, purpose, value, truth etc. And because this „good“ doesn’t exist in an indifferent universe, it is up to man to challenge the apathy and overcome it.

[@kalequeen1238]

@@mahmud7645 "optimistic nihilism" is essentially absurdism updated and changed into a more understandable format.

[@mahmud7645]

@@kalequeen1238 Interesting Opinion

[@umutalandag6853]

We give ourselves a purpose, an essence, a meaning in a purposeless, essenceless, meaningless universe. There is no higher power, no god, no destiny, no traced line or path to follow but just you and your choices and actions to define who you are. That's the essence of existentialism. As Sartre would say, "existence precedes essence.". We are what we do of ourselves.

[@masonthewalker]

Why do humans crave meaning and an essence? Do chimps or dolphins search for meaning? Or does their ignorance give them a simple meaning? At our base, we are animals, yes? If yes, then wouldn't our life have inherent meaning? This meaning, which is very carnal and visceral, is reproduction. It would be the continuation of our species. So, can we still say that life has no meaning if in nature our meaning is to survive and keep our species going?

[@Daniel-ew5qf]

@@masonthewalker Reproduction gives meaning of life(That is, at its core, to simply be alive) to the reproduced entity, not ourselves. Our life's meaning lies within whatever we do in life, not what we do for other lives.

[@littlehitta1305]

Me being 17, a music producer and being socially insecure, this helped me a lot with getting out there and share what I have to offer.

[@sarahginga8404]

There is something so spot on and absolutely peaceful that resonates in your art. I absolutely adore it, am big fan. Keep it up.

[@tiggerknowsbest6817]

How blessed are we to have not one but TWO sisyphus vids in a single week. Thank you sir

[@mrmanhattan8217]

Thanks for the new vid man, you always make my day better

[@Pedro-fr2uc]

I love when a person's says "nothing matters" and then I just say "okay but why would the fact that nothing matters actually matter"?

[@user-is3yn7xr4c]

The poetic delivery of the narrative in this video is fascinating in an indescribable reason.

[@cedarian4643]

Man your videos really make my mornings dude i always watch them while i eat my breakfast before i do my work for the day

[@random-qi6tq]

Love your videos, have been waiting for existentialism for a while. Keep up the work, it’s incredible

[@aintsleptinninetyyears3621]

What is so scary about existentialism? I have never found it depressing in and of itself. Existentialism is like evolution, you can try and deny it, but at the end of the day it just is what it is. The real hopelessness, I think, comes from society and how we view ourselves. Humans don't like being reminded we're just filthy apes on a floating rock hurtling through an ever expanding universe. But it doesn't seem to bother any other apes, orangutans seem pretty chill with this arrangement, we should try to become more like the humble orangutan.

[@matttejada7381]

I highly doubt our ape friends will stay the same after having the same consciousness as us.

[@jobelthirty1294]

@@matttejada7381 That wasn't the point and you know it.

[@masonthewalker]

I see existentialism as a crossroads. One path leads to one finding true meaning and purpose; finding what one enjoys doing and can be contemptuous with doing. The other leads to nihilism and absurdism. Where you believe everything to be pointless and that there is no meaning at all. This, also, in it of itself isn't necessarily bad.

[@aesop1451]

Yes, but orangutans haven't built skyscrapers. We should be super happy. We live in the most technologically advanced period in human history, but we're not. If we lived like orangutans we would still be unhappy. Orangutans are not conscious like we are btw. The truth is that if nothing matters than nothing matters. Murder doesn't matter because you're just another animal like me, but society acts like it matters (puts me in jail).

[@antqueen2437]

i love your videos. i cant believe i just found you a couple months ago when youve been doing this for so long. youre just so easy to listen to

[@colinlee2859]

This video always seems to ground me in reality, it just jacks me out of whatever problems I'm having at that particular moment and let's me know that everything is only as complex as what you make of it.

[@Tbrandomania]

I would really love for you to do a video on Keirkegaard. I have been binging your videos over the past year and it got me to start reading many different philosophers, and so far Keirkegaard has been my favorite

[@EEVNS-er6ys]

This channel is actually amazing.

[@SubaBlubba]

Great video, love these short ones!

[@csanadczanik9710]

I really love your channel man, keep it up!

[@zeal4965]

1:07 Momentary Bliss

[@merihs.7944]

man you always helped me and my friend out in hard times; appreciate it!

[@matematico.miakarrel]

NAILED IT. I was playing Resident Evil 2 and i missed a couple of philosophy classes BUT I watched this MONTHS before the classes even happened, dude, I nailed my test!

[@hunp812]

Beautiful stuff as always my man.

[@Charred_rat_remains]

My dad told me something, which I think makes some sense in the context of our place in the universe. He basically started it off by saying “you know those dances bees do?” You know, the ones they do to communicate. He said “do you think they know that they’re really communicating with each other, or they’re just doing it to survive?” Basically what he was saying to me is that in the history of everything that humans have accomplished and done, maybe we are doing this all without knowledge of control, maybe there’s a higher power who knows we’re doing everything right, because we’re doing it. It is possible that there is a god that will judge you, but it is just as likely that there is a god who will accept you, because you did what he told you to, and you didn’t even know it. I think it’s a good concept, even if I don’t really believe in a higher power or and existence without one.

[@mariosspyrou1054]

You should voice evey audio book

[@reeyees50]

I got a better spin on the whole thing. 1. There is no darkness/lightness 2.There is no meaning 3. Because there is no darkness/lightness or meaning, then we are truly free. Truly free of a meaningless life full of darkness. And thus, truly free of the emo mopey sensations and experiences that those hit or miss philosophers seek to impose upon us. When you laugh, feel happy, excited, whatever for a brief moment, despite everything in life not going the way we want it to go, that means these utterly stupid and simplistic emotions somehow have priority over the dreaded and downer existentialism. We can not fight our biology, our design. 4. Sometimes, death is glorious: to the individual or to the observer. So, there is no need to be overwhelmingly sad about the whole affair.

[@hanzee585]

Post truth is just another narcotic for the nihilist. And fuck nihilists.

[@V01DIORE]

"We cannot fight our biology"? then what has this scientific progression been for? Damned naturalistic primitivism. It's no virtue to gamble with the lives of others that needn't be, whether you can see the world as a whole or not.

[@V01DIORE]

@@hanzee585 What kind of nihilists? All of them? Even those who seek subjective meaning but solely discount the possibility of objective meaning?

[@hanzee585]

Is it not obvious what narcissism has contributed to the human race? Maybe not to the narcissist...

[@V01DIORE]

@@hanzee585 I would say nihilism is in defiance of such narcissism. False hopes are found to be so, we can see the world much more clearly... it's flaws.

[@destine1547]

Loved the quote at the end

[@giniwelle]

"Every existing thing is born without reason, prolongs itself out of weakness and dies by chance"

[@orangejuice8339]

Why is this channel so underrated? Just why

[@thebest055]

this is really important. thank you.

[@elmachothepersianjaguar9932]

Very beautifully and accurately explained!

[@dannydewario1550]

Another well made video from the great Syphilis 55.

[@matouskolator40]

I have never actualy heard of existencionalism, but that just sums up the essay I wrote yesterday for my literature class in school. lol

[@ramejuri6129]

Thanks for uploading

[@ricardorios403]

I love these videos so much

[@David-in4ft]

Heloooo you do lovely content, best of luck

[@elifbkmaz6492]

Hello ! I am a huge fan of your content and would love to read some of your reccommended books. Especially on existentialism.

[@ChrisWhalenCPA]

Once I had my first child 31 years ago, death never worried me anymore.

[@V01DIORE]

For then someone could die for you?

[@tanusree4124]

please elaborate

[@ChrisWhalenCPA]

@@tanusree4124 well I am a person of faith so I do believe in an afterlife, but once I had my first child and I realized that taking care of her and giving her a good life is the main thing that fulfills me, then I don't worry about death anymore.

[@callumferry3097]

@@ChrisWhalenCPA and when they eventually move out, get their own job. Their own place?

[@ChrisWhalenCPA]

@@callumferry3097 it's such a great feeling having them be self-sufficient. But of course we're incredibly close and my main drive is still to take care of them and I think I'd always will be.

[@ethan8899]

really like ur channel, cool stuff

[@DarkAngelEU]

So, here I was, thinking I might enjoy my Sunday with a nice stroll to the local lake with a book. But a motivating video of Sisyphus55 might just do the trick to actually make me leave the house :)

[@broenthompson4634]

I understand his point and I agree with basis of it though I don’t agree with its result. The lack of life’s meaning means you must find your own. Earth being a wet rock doesn’t make me feel small, it fills me full of amazement that I exist. Why make anything? To have at least done something with your life! These points are valid but they come from a weak will, persevere and find beauty in the smallest things. That is where I find my life, please don’t resort to Existentialism!

[@luka-qg8mj]

i love your videos!!

[@widowkeeper4739]

I weirdly find the fact I'm just a speck in the universe comforting. Maybe I've watched too many movies of people with pre-set destinies, tasks, and purposes, but knowing my life is meaningless and I have no purpose is a relief. It means I'm truly free. It puts all the bullshit of living in perspective. The only really sucky part about that is trying to think up stuff to do and how to learn to let it be fulfilling, though lately life has certainly given us a plethora of options.

[@merhy5509]

truly a life changing experience

[@CurlyGamer360]

Every single video is so good

[@miaseaman8315]

These videos pull me out of depressive episodes

[@TheSubso]

Stanley Kubrick did have quite the drive in his work, no wonder he said the end quote "However vast the darkness, we must supply our own light". Atleast that would give some hint as to what made him strife for the perfect shot.

[@landogarner2007]

@Sisyphus 55, can you do one on Absurdism next? Existentialism and Absurdism are the two philosophies that literally saved my life.

[@svrona7696]

In Camus we trust.

[@hasanalharaz7454]

I’ll just say this. Remember that death is a beauty. If you believe there is nothing at the end then find consolation in the fact there’s nothing to regret because it’ll always be the same by the end of it. And if your uncertain of what will happen then be happy you’ll find out one day. Death is not only the final and most important wonder of mankind but frontier to. No matter what you believe, after death you’ll find either something unlike anything you can ever see whilst alive or at least an answer to the most important question.

[@jackwharton5765]

fulfilment is our destiny and our destiny is our death, man shall know no relief until he expels his last breath

[@danielthorp1716]

I've started having existential thoughts since I moved out from my parents to living alone. It's horrible. I spend the majority of my time working and I barely see my friends, I come home to an empty home and I ask myself "What am I doing all of this for"? We set goals for ourselves, only to want something else afterwards, so what's the point in even starting anything? I've become fixated with this way of thinking and it's very bleak.

[@orbitaloutcast9878]

Thank you,

[@fraserenglish6226]

Damn. My perception 80% of my days is the first half of this video, 20% the second half when I wake up with drive or something to work towards.

[@TenNineD]

This video really explains my life…..

[@olivuu3096]

Channel trailer of the effects of Sisyphus videos

[@dialaskisel5929]

Our capacity for dread due to the the apparent indifference of the universe is due to the development of our sapience. Our sentience evolved into sapience to give us access to reason and to logic. Our capacity for reason and logic was developed as a tool to help us adapt to our environment and perpetuate our lives - it is a tool for our survival. This is the innate fallacy with negativistic philosophy - they attempt to separate themselves from bias by trying to solve their problems entirely a priori. By putting reason, logic, and abstract theoretical concepts first. However, we can find, due to the way life all the way down to the cellular level operates, that life inherently WANTS to continue living. Using pure reason to negate the will-to-live forgets the fact that reason exists to serve the will-to-live, and allows life to overcome the obstacles to its continued existence. This isn't to say that one shouldn't use reason, it is vital and allows us to survive and thrive. And, historically speaking, the more peoples embrace reason, the better they tend to adapt and increase their quality of life compared to those who do not. But taking the innate positivity that is the will-to-live, love, beauty, and happiness out of the equation is pointless, logically flawed, and ultimately self-defeating.

[@lorddarthrushirious9256]

What you said is correct, though, what exactly are you trying to say?

[@dialaskisel5929]

@@lorddarthrushirious9256 I'm just making a statement from atop my soapbox. It's of a refutation/counterpoint against people that try to use "unbiased" logic to justify adopting pessimistic world views. I know Sisyphus 55 doesn't, and even most existentialists don't internalize that pessimism, but some do. I was one of them until recently. I was a nihilist, a solipsist, and even an anti-natalist. I believed in the pursuit of truth at any cost as a core part of my identity. I still do believe in the rigorous pursuit of truth, but I had an experience recently that opened my eyes to reality that the pursuit of truth should be done in service to the will-to-live, not for its own sake. Part of me hopes that if i can logically formulate why my previous world-view was illogical, then perhaps I can help others who are like I was: lost in misery, depression, and an almost hateful pessimism.

[@lorddarthrushirious9256]

@@dialaskisel5929 Okay. But why mustn't he pursuit of truth or anything be done for the will to live if it is so important? I mean, I get that you have to look after yourself and be sensible with your health during such pursuits, but that doesn't mean that, when one realizes that the thing they're pursuing, their will to live must collapse. I mean, the will to live comes very simply due to our survival instincts. And it sometimes breaks but that doesn't lead us to go kill ourselves, not always. I myself tried killing myself multiple times over the course of 3 anxiety and depression fueled years and I came to realize that killing myself is the best solution, if I actually didn't want to live. But I just didn't want the insane thoughts, repeating memories, depressive mood, the pain and the anxiety, the inability to think, and so on, and wanted to live. I didn't want to die per se. I still wanted to do what I want to do, a purpose I set for myself that I will tolerate my failure of leaving unsatisfied, that I may try again, with another thing, or age out and die trying. That's what I think. What do you think?

[@dialaskisel5929]

​@@lorddarthrushirious9256 I was referring less to what you pursue to give your life meaning, and more to how those pursuits can cause harm if they aren't properly grounded. Using the pursuit of truth as a purpose to live is a good thing to do, and was the goal that I personally pursued and used a justification for my own life after the death of my mother. The problems I ended up having weren't with the pursuit of truth itself, it was that my pursuit (and that of other philosophers that espouse pessimistic philosophies like nihilism) ignored the will-to-live and positive aspects of life in their formulation. For me, it was my attempt to stay as objective as possible. This had me discounting things like happiness, pleasure, and any sort of fundamental goodness as naïve and delusional. This led to an acceptance of the philosophical position known as "negative utilitarianism" which basically states that the ethical imperative is to minimize suffering first, while focusing on maximizing happiness second. The inevitable end point of negative utilitarianism is anti-natalism - ie that it is morally imperative to try to (painlessly) cause the eventual extinction of all life to minimize suffering, and that giving birth is a morally negative action. I had more than simply ruminated on these positions - I had internalized them as a part of my identity, and I didn't really know how to counter or refute them, causing a lot of pain on my end. Also, I'm sorry to hear of your fight with depression. For me, it was realizing how much I appreciate and enjoy the small things in life to help me push past my own. Things like seeing the sunset, having a beautiful dream, eating a delicious meal, meeting an interesting person, etc. I also began listening to Alan Watts' lectures on his (more westernized and less esoteric) take on Buddhism and philosophy to help calm my mind and realize that it was my own neuroticism and tendency towards obsessiveness that was causing my misery more than the literal things happening in my life. I can't promise that that path will work for everyone, though, as we all walk different paths and have different minds, but if I can help one person, then I feel I have to do anything I can.

[@lorddarthrushirious9256]

@@dialaskisel5929 Oh. Yeah, that is correct. Obsessive pursuit of anything can and will lead to degradation. You seem to have great affection for your mother. I only wish I had such affection for mine. I hope that, if at all you go neurotic, you come out from it clean. ^_^

[@YTLY773]

they told me to stop thinking as if that's like easy but not they really don't understand

[@caidenbond1988]

This is why I like optimistic existentialism.

[@wadeguidry6675]

It's been said that Denmark has a really happy and content population. When I get bummed about existential ideas I just try to be like my Danish mother. For no apparent reason she seems to be happy and content wherever she is and whatever the circumstances may be.

[@chaseharrison5469]

Don’t tell Lemmino

[@wadeguidry6675]

@@chaseharrison5469 oh yeah, I forgot about him. Oooops lol. Thanks.

[@philgamer_309]

well said

[@devito228]

I absolutely fucking love your videos

[@soopplaza4477]

You should talk about Alfred Jarry and pataphysics one day

[@denadrejones9722]

wonder how many peoples day hes gonna ruin when the algorithm sees this one

[@jonwolynies7465]

I think some other animals know about their own demise. My cat seemed to know when I talked about it on the phone with a friend. She was 19 and suffering. In fact I think fear of death is rampant amongst animals- the are self aware. Only some like the Honey Badger are in disregards to their own life and are hyper agressive

[@sickmindedteenager]

Interesting you say this fear gnaws at the ego - I feel like that fear is the ego, or at least originates from it.

[@jonesycreations3975]

Do you have any podcasts you love about philosophy/psychology? Just smashed out mystiverse’s and I’m hungry for more

[@chaseharrison5469]

Straight up, I like his because they are a bit more accessible in case I want to show a friend. There are lots of others that are great, but are done in a more academic fashion and even sometimes hard for me to track as someone who puts a lot of time in to try and learn the ins and outs of different fields. If I want to show a friend, i then have to do my best to get them up to speed and by then they are usually like “nah, I don’t want to learn about this anymore”.

[@jonesycreations3975]

Chase Harrison could you point me in the direction of some ones that you like? I’m not fussed if it’s more academic. I love science podcasts that are very heavy just want some more of this different flavour of knowledge in long form

[@chaseharrison5469]

Jonesy Creations Sure, I would say I listen to lectures on YT more than I listen to podcasts so I’m not a regular viewer on all of these. Philosophize This Philosophy Bites Drunken Philosophy The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps Philosophy of Psychoanalysis As for podcasts that may touch on philosophy but don’t focus on it. Bret Weinstein Dark Horse Podcast (I’ve been very tight on this one as of lately, Bret and his wife Heather are evolutionary biologists and as someone who was raised Creationist their frequent Q&A sessions help to answer a lot of my questions) The Glenn Show (You can find this one on Bloggingheadstv on YT. Glenn Lowry is an economist and his frequent guest John McWhorter is a philosophy and linguistics professor) Waking Up with Sam Harris (A lot of people don’t like Sam but I generally find his podcasts insightful and civil) The Coleman Hughes Podcast (I sometimes call Coleman the black Sam Harris because of his calm soft spoken tone and left leaning politics. Very good podcast though) Channels without podcasts to my knowledge: Digital Hammurabi (These guys are good if you are looking for historicity with ancient documents, particularly the Bible (me being raised Christian I had the most questions about my “holy book”) but their profession is Assyriology and they tie in aspects of other ancient near east cultures as well as bring other relevant scholars onto their live streams to talk about their field of expertise or book.) Like Stories of Old (Very cool channel that takes cinema and deconstructs different movies for their underlying philosophical messages. The guy who runs it also has a cool accent, Dutch I believe but that’s just going by ear) Academy of Ideas (Two Canadian guys write scripts and make videos about all aspects of philosophy and psychology. One of my favorites) Majesty of Reason (This one is very nitty gritty and a lot that is talked about I don’t completely understand. Mostly metaphysics and ontology with this one. He goes into thomistic metaphysics some as well I believe.) I think that’s a decent list for now however I know I’m forgetting some so if I happen to think or get reminded of another I’ll be sure to edit this comment or make another post. Hopefully that helps a bit. Fair winds

[@chaseharrison5469]

Jonesy Creations Robert Paul Wolff has some awesome lectures on Marx, Kant and one other that escapes me. Eric Dodson also has some good entry level videos explaining different types of thought and I believe was also a professor. I like his videos on existentialism a lot) And last for now, Cuck Philosophy (This guy does good videos on lefty politics and political philosophy as well as some videos defending post-modernism)

[@AdolfStalin]

Should cover it's opposite, essentialism

[@cademyers7235]

I’d really like a transcription of this video

[@glitchyglitch1235]

Back in the day, the meaning of life was based on your view of the world and yourself that was faith at the time. My view on the world doesn't have to be shaped by faith.

[@alternativefacts8886]

Im so stuck in this mindset, not the fear of death as much, but the void. Im stuck in an ultimate skeptic like mindset where even if I could understand the world round me, nothing is guaranteed, nothing is certain. To me, reality is as unprovable as God. So why even bother? Why bother thinking, attempting to understand? We, from our perspective, are a small thing in an empty void.

[@chaseharrison5469]

So...solipsism? Idk if this will help but most people I’ve heard talk about this topic say pretty much that you just have to accept our limitations and hope we can surpass our current understanding. Proceed in light of our apparent condition and hope that technology can do its thing to make some progress (hopefully in our lifetime to some extent). I’m sure if you’ve thought on this issue some this will not be news to you, but sometimes a fellow person acknowledging that you aren’t alone can help. I know reading literature and watching channels like Sisyphus55, Mystiverse, Academy of Ideas, Cuck Philosophy, and others have greatly shift my focus greatly. If you have any specific topics that trouble you I might be able to make a recommendation but then again you may have been looking into this far longer than me. Fair winds and Following seas my friend (Edit: I cant believe I forgot to mention music. That has also helped me immensely. I can’t even tell you how many awesome artists and bands I’ve found that have helped with this feeling of cosmic loneliness and insignificance, at least for me.)

[@josephcarpenter2409]

Ever thought of doing depersonalization video or include the term in another video?

[@chronomancer8772]

I was raised christian and was told growing up that my life decisions would dictate whether I went to heavy or hell. I spent my childhood and adolescence afraid of judgement. However when I went to college I met people who were christian grew curious and forgot about it. I've never been afraid of death since then. I still experience fear if a car almost hits mebut not existential dread. I hear ask me that I should be afraid of death but I really don't understand why. I feel like it's some axiom that death is terrifying but when I stopped believing that death is an important event I stopped worrying about it. I honesty don't understand why I should be afraid of it other than I'm told it's scary. Does anybody have any good arguments on why death is scary?

[@user-sb3kt8oq6b]

The only reason that death is scary is because it is a human instinct to be scared of it. But as you said, if you choose not to be scared of it, it is no longer scary.

[@Daniel-ew5qf]

No need to be scared of death; by the time we die, we won't be existent to experience death anyway.

[@NoSoulNoToll]

make one about antinatalsim please

[@johnriser5865]

I used to feel this until I found faith and God. I had never experienced peace and joy prior to that. In doing so I found meaning in suffrage, the value of human life and the reality of death. I suppose every individual person will perceive the world different.

[@simonbean3774]

Whatever you want

[@josenellandrewtumulak2400]

Dope

[@AlastairWard]

If as a species we have trouble contemplating or knowing the true nature of death, can we really say we know the true nature of life?

[@TheAvsouto]

Being an existencialist is basically a path of finding a way to give more meaning to your own life. I think is a path that leads to self improvement and happiness without the fear of death

[@TheAvsouto]

But until you discover your proupouse for life the path is pretty dark and mostly unhappy. But once you find your way you become happy or ok with most of the things life throw at you until you die.

[@paul-ye3ut]

Who disliked this video because this was amazing

[@xMXWLx]

TIL DIS DAY!!!

[@boof2838]

this is pog

[@user-pb4nz9sj5i]

What does "pog(gers)" even mean?

[@adcaptandumvulgus4252]

Well that's one truth/answer & mine is curiosity that keeps me going. Life is a beautiful ironic absurd dark comedy. I fucking love it, free lifetime of premium entertainment. Glad I was conscripted.

[@JeremyZayas]

i do this for fun, until i die, i guess ill just have fun

[@apexshinbi638]

I thought he was playing white wine in the intro lol

[@mrshumancar]

And here I struggle with writing my screenplay... might as well get it done before I'm dead. It'll be my one regret if I don't write this story.

[@watmick2821]

"The most terrifying fact about the universe is not that it is hostile,but that it is indifferent."

[@supagooseproductions]

The world is blank a single blank slate with no purpose at all. But as humans have done before when we see a blank slate we paint

[@sum1414]

I need a light

[@sketchingtophat9661]

Me too.