intro to nihilism

Nietzsche observed that the modern world does not need God, as the universe can be explained by
science without divine involvement, governance can be legitimized with philosophy excluding divine
right, and morality can be understood without reference to God, as non-believers of today do. Death of
God can also put an end to the problem of existence of evil in the presence of a loving God

Contrary to popular belief, Fred Nietzsche wrote extensively against Nihilism, and saw the period of
Post-Christianity as being a blank slate for humanity to begin to create its own values — only after
destroying all the falsities created by society, of course. Nihilism allowed for humanity to begin to push
off the burden of faith while also accepting nature for what it really is: cold, and uncaring. By doing this,
we are capable of affirming our lives in the most pure way possible without the guilt of sin and threat
of punishment vis a vis God; humanity would begin to trans valuate all values and place forth their own
new values which would be the correct course of action for this species. "Nihilism is not only the belief
that everything deserves to perish; but one actually puts one's shoulder to the plough; one destroys" -
Will to Power.

To Nietzsche, Nihilism is a transitory state, not the end goal

Moral Issue

Neitzsche’s debilitating effect on the society, particularly on modern youth. In spite of his assertion to be
more emotional and shun individuality,

Legal Issue

Nihilism comes from the Latin nihil, or nothing, which means not anything, that which does not exist.

Nietzsche criticizes the concept of universality as objectionable because agents are relatively different so
a universal morality must necessarily be harmful to some. He believes that a culture in which moral
norms prevail, such as Kantian respect for persons, utilitarianism, and altruistic behavior, will be a
culture which eliminates the conditions for the realization of human excellence – the latter requiring
concern with the self, struggle, and suffering. So, happiness, according to Nietzsche, is not an
intrinsically valuable end because suffering is positively necessary for the cultivation of individual
development and a fulfilling life

Leopold and loeb

Leopold was particularly fascinated by Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of supermen (Übermenschen),

interpreting them as transcendent individuals, possessing extraordinary and unusual capabilities,
whose superior intellects allowed them to rise above the laws and rules that bound the unimportant,
average populace. Leopold believed that he and especially Loeb were these individuals, and as such,
by his interpretation of Nietzsche's doctrines, they were not bound by any of society's normal ethics
or rules

n a letter to Loeb, Leopold wrote, "A superman ... is, on account of certain superior qualities inherent
in him, exempted from the ordinary laws which govern men. He is not liable for anything he may
do."[12]
The pair began asserting their perceived immunity from normal restrictions with acts of petty theft
and vandalism.[11][13] Breaking into a fraternity house at the university, they stole penknives, a
camera, and a typewriter that they later used to type their ransom note. Emboldened, they
progressed to a series of more serious crimes, including arson,[14] but no one seemed to notice.
Disappointed with the absence of media coverage of their crimes, they decided to plan and execute a
sensational "perfect crime" that would garner public attention, and confirm their self-perceived status
as "supermen.

Opinion

He seemed interested in promoting the development of human potential without regard for any specific
morality or even type of morality. His individualistic perspective was that each individual should seek
meaning in life for reasons unrelated to any ethical theory.