One day I was speaking with a client who told me that she was being “cheerfully nihilistic” which I found to be an interesting term. After our session, I immediately did a deep dive into cheerful nihilism and found it to be a fascinating way to look at life.
Cheerful nihilism might at first seem like an oxymoron, but it embodies a unique perspective on life. Understanding this concept can provide you with another tool when dealing with the ups and downs of life.
What is Nihilism?
Nihilism, at its most fundamental level, is the belief that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or inherent value. It’s a philosophy that emerged prominently in the 19th century, particularly associated with Friedrich Nietzsche, who viewed it as a destructive force that could undermine moral and societal structures. However, nihilism is not inherently negative, and several forms of it can provide different perspectives on life.
One of these perspectives is what is referred to as ‘cheerful nihilism’.
What is Cheerful Nihilism?
Cheerful nihilism is a term that might initially seem contradictory. After all, how can a worldview often associated with despair and existential dread be considered cheerful? The answer lies in a reframing of nihilistic principles.
Cheerful nihilism is about finding joy in the inherent meaninglessness of life. It encourages individuals to let go of the anxiety produced by societal expectations, the fear of failure, or the pressure to conform to a specific narrative of success and fulfillment. Instead, it suggests that we should enjoy life for what it is, unburdened by the quest for inherent meaning.
In this worldview, the absence of an objective or preordained purpose doesn’t translate to a hopeless or depressive outlook. Instead, it provides a freedom to create our own purpose and meaning.
Cheerful Nihilism in Practice
The first step in practicing cheerful nihilism is acceptance. Accepting that life has no inherent, objective meaning can be liberating. It frees one from the pressures of conforming to societal expectations, allowing for a more authentic and self-defined existence.
From here, you can begin to construct your own meaning. This process is highly personal, as what brings joy and fulfillment varies from person to person. It could be anything from nurturing relationships, to pursuing a passion, to contributing to a cause that aligns with your values.
Lastly, cheerful nihilism encourages gratitude and mindfulness. Even in a world that lacks inherent meaning, we can appreciate and find joy in simple, everyday experiences – the beauty of a sunset, the joy of laughter, or the satisfaction of a well-cooked meal.
Cheerful Nihilism and Mental Health
While nihilism might initially seem like a negative or despair-inducing belief system, cheerful nihilism can have positive implications for mental health.
Firstly, it can alleviate feelings of pressure and anxiety, often associated with the pursuit of a specific purpose or meeting societal expectations. By dismissing the need for an objective meaning, individuals can feel liberated to live their life according to their own standards.
Secondly, it allows for increased authenticity and self-expression. In a nihilistic framework, every individual is free to create their own purpose and to choose what to value in life.
Lastly, cheerful nihilism promotes mindfulness and gratitude, both of which have been associated with increased wellbeing and lower rates of depression and anxiety.
As a mental health counselor, understanding cheerful nihilism provides me with another perspective to help others. It’s however, important to remember that it is just one of many philosophical perspectives on life and may not resonate or be helpful to everyone. It’s just another tool of many that we can choose from to help us thrive and survive in an unpredictable world.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor 