Will all modern religions and consumer cultures eventually result in nihilism?

Question

As many existentialists so seem to believe.

Answer 1

Both extreme skepticism and nihilism implode on themselves, human beings a rational creatures, and are capable of seeing the inherent contradictions in both philosophies. While these two philosophies may grab the minds of some, I highly doubt that it would be able to overtake an entire population. Apathy is much more likely to supplant religion. If nihilism were true, it is exceedingly difficult to have the courage to confront the nonexistence of any moral objective, that truth is only an illusion.

To confront this truth that there is no truth (Well that's not a contradiction), causes immense anxiety. As Nietzsche's "Parable of the Madman", it is only the Madman who realizes the implications of nihilism. He is the only profound atheist, the rest of the community is merely apathetic to the nonexistence of God.

Our apathy is a defense mechanism to hide our minds from the realization of nihilism.

-Kerplunk288

Answer 2

Modern "religions" are man made. Consumer culture meets the need to eat and have shelter by creating jobs. Nihilism which I call 'knee high ism"(since belief is "all is worthless", why need a brain?) will eventually come to an end and lose, ie 'there is no purpose to existence" Nature will eventually through the process of evolution eradicate all completely useless things. Since I believe i have a purpose......I will miss you all.

Answer 3

For a time, yes. According to Nietzsche. Modern religion and consumer culture will eventually be overcome and nihilism will set in. But eventually that will also be overcome and new values (hopefully stronger and more life-affirming than we have now) will fill the void. Then most likely those values will be overcome, nihilism will make a comeback only to be superseded by new values. It never ends. And that, my friend is Will to Power at work.

Answer 4

That or extreme skepticism.

Answer 5

I Hope so