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Nihilistic

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(pronounced ny-uh-lis-tik or nee-uh-lis-tik)  adjective

Definition

from the noun nihilism.

Nihilism  (pronounced ny-uh-liz-um or nee-uh-liz-um) = 1. (philosophy) an extreme skepticism that rejects traditional--moral or religious--values and beliefs; the belief that all existence is senseless and purposeless, and that there is no objective basis for knowledge and moral truths.   2. The belief that for a bright future, all existing institutions (social, political, etc.) must be destroyed.   3. (cap) the 19th century movement in Russia which advocated anarchy and terrorism to bring about revolutionary reform in the social order.   4. any violent revolutionary activity resorting to anarchy, terrorism, and assassination.

Main Example

• The FBI's latest "most wanted" terrorist is an American--Daniel Andreas San Diego, a 31-year old computer specialist from California. Described as an "environmental extremist," San Diego has been involved in the bombing of some corporate offices, including those of a firm doing animal experiments. Tattoos on San Diego's abdomen--which show burning and collapsing buildings--are perfect symbols of his nihilistic nature.

Workplace Examples

• The only way you and I can change this organization is to go about it incrementally. If we propose something really revolutionary, such as dissolving or destroying the existing structure in one fell swoop, they'll outright reject our approach as being a bit too nihilistic.
• Once Charlie has made up his mind, it's next to impossible to get him to change it because he assumes a nihilistic position! I can offer the most compelling evidence to the contrary but he will simply respond that it is not proof enough, or that what I am saying is not science.

Other Examples

• this author saying: "I'll never forget that moment when a woman in her mid-20s, working for an oil giant and aspiring to attend my alma mater--The Kellogg School--visited our Toastmasters club and declined to condemn Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin, saying it's not for her to judge since they too must have been loved by some people. Since that time, I have often wondered if this kind of ethical nihilism and the rejection of moral absolutes is pervasive among a section of our youth."
• the 1999 movie "8 mm," which starred Nicholas Cage as a private eye going deep undercover in a seedy area of Los Angeles, giving us a peek into the utterly nihilistic and horrifyingly depraved world of snuff films
• the situation in Pakistan becoming a top concern of the U.S., thanks to increasing success of the nihilistic organizations that are trying to destabilize that South Asian nation
• singer and songwriter David Bowie, whose songs used to be imbued with nihilism and pessimism but are now positive and optimistic, attributing the change in his tone to the birth of his son
• in recent speeches, President Obama warning that given an opportunity, al Qaeda will gladly kill millions of Americans because its leadership comprises nihilists

© 2009 V.J. Singal
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