Philosophy is one of those interesting disciplines that makes its way into all of our lives whether through society, education, politics, art, or the like. But certain schools of philosophy are more esoteric than others. So we’re breaking down the topic of stoicism vs nihilism as it can prove complex and multifaceted in certain discussions and texts. We’ve outlined the definitions of both in a broken down, simplified fashion while also compared and contrasted. Finally, we’ve provided some examples of the two philosophies to make the area of stoicism vs nihilism as clear as possible. Read on if you’re writing an essay on the topic or simply looking for an interesting debate to bring up at your next dinner party.
Stoicism Defined
It’s safe to say Stoicism has been around for a while. The philosophy began in ancient Greece and Rome in the 3rd Century BC. You can think of it as a modern-day meditation app, a philosophy created to help people live their best life. It’s a framework for positive living. It focuses on all that is good in our lives in order to augment our positive emotions and lessen our negative. It is rooted in the acceptance of circumstance, not being swayed by fear, pain, or on the other side, by desires. It relies on the idea that nature has a plan and that we must endure and accept in order to follow this plan which will ultimately lead us to redemption and tranquility.
How does it go about this? Stoicism zeros in on the truly valuable things in life (our virtues) and discusses practical ways to get more of these. Where Stoicism differs from other schools of philosophy is in that it doesn’t ask its practitioners to study it day in day out but rather provides tangible methods to incorporate the mentality into daily life. The school is grounded in the concept of actions over words. What you do is more important than what you say.
In short, stoics desire happiness and live their lives in such a manner to achieve it.
Nihilism Defined
Nihilism was formed much later on in 19th century Russia during Tsar Alexander II’s reign. To put it briefly, the Latin root of the word is “nihil” which means nothing. Nihilism is a philosophical school that rejects any sort of meaning when it comes to life’s virtues. Nihilists’ belief rests in not believing in anything. The philosophy centers around life being meaningless, devoid of purpose, and ultimately, empty.
Some liken nihilism to skepticism as nihilists often rebel against the social order. Others relate the philosophy to anarchy because it denies all forms of authority traditionally associated with government, royalty, and the church.
Essentially, nihilists do not believe there is any meaning to existence which is why it is often deemed a school-based in skepticism and pessimism.
Key Differences
The obvious key difference between the two philosophies is that stoicism promotes the values in life, going so far as to believe they give meaning and happiness to exist in life while nihilism entirely rejects them, deeming them devoid of any meaning at all.
On that note, one could think of the two philosophies as representative of opposite sides of the spectrum. Stoicism is grounded in optimism. Nihilism is fundamentally pessimistic. Stoicism is hopeful, encouraging people to find life’s meaning in the things that make us happy, the most important things. Nihilists are skeptical. They live by the concept that there is no meaning in life. They believe in not believing in anything and that our existence is ultimately pointless.
In terms of timelines, Nihilism came much later than stoicism. Stoicism was formed by ancient philosophers and has been passed down through oral and written tradition for hundreds of years. It has been discussed, debated, and considered at length. Its foundations and framework have been refined by generations and even now, it finds its place in modern society. While nihilism came about under stringent Russian rule much more recently. It has also been debated and discussed at length though no clear outline for how it shows up in life has been defined.
Stoicism is also a practice more so than nihilism. Nihilism is very conceptual. It defines a way of thinking that nihilists tend to live by, but it does not necessarily outline a tangible goal. There is no ultimate objective to strive for. Where stoicism is also a way of thinking, but it does indeed have one true objective which is to improve life. Stoics want to improve their existence and the school of thought aligns with that goal. It goes so far as to outline a plan to achieve more happiness and a deeper meaning in life. Nihilism has no roadmap because there is no end destination. There is no meaning.
Similarities
As discussed, stoicism and nihilism are two philosophies that are somewhat opposed. However, there are a couple of notable similarities between the two. The first being that they are philosophies employed by people and both have significant followings. These followings are primarily made up of artists and political figures though also include people from all walks of life.
One could argue that there is a similarity to be found in that both schools believe in “just being”. Where they differ is in that stoicism believes this simply being is a method of following nature’s plan. While nihilists will just exist because they believe there is no point in doing anything else as life is meaningless.
Who are the Stoics and Nihilists?
Perhaps one of the most prolific philosophers of all time, Friedrich Nietzsche argued that nihilism would ultimately destroy society. He argued that if the pessimistic outlook spread, it would bring despair and societal collapse. Nihilism is associated with certain artists, writers, and of course, philosophers.
In terms of examples of stoicism, modern-day athletes, artists, and politicians are embracing the school’s fundamental principles to find peace and tranquility in life.
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