"Like petals on the wind, we drift through this world for just a while" my life as a nihilist 🥀

Hello deer, this is Seri 🌸

Most people would be surprised to know I’m a nihilist.

Maybe it’s because I love flowers, or because I speak gently and look for beauty in small things.

They might expect a nihilist to be cold, dark, or emotionless....

.... but I’m none of those things.

I’m soft. I’m empathetic. I care deeply, even if I don’t believe in any fixed meaning behind it all.

I know that culture, traditions, even art, they’re all human creations.

They didn’t fall from the sky, and they weren’t carved into the stars.

You can recognize that the world is built by people and still participate.

Or to decide to build your own little garden inside it.

Sometimes, I find myself looking up at the sky for too long. There’s something about a pale sky with no particular message in it that soothes me. It doesn’t try to say anything. It just is. And somehow, that quiet neutrality comforts me more than any promise ever could.

I used to search for something big ; some cosmic reason for being here.

I wanted answers, structure, something to hold on to. But all I found was silence.

At first, that silence felt like emptiness. But then… it began to feel like peace.

I’ve realized that, despite how advanced human knowledge has become, there are things beyond our understanding.

Our minds, as brilliant as they may be, can’t explain everything ; there will always be mysteries beyond our reach.

This uncertainty is often seen as unsettling, but for me, it reinforces the beauty of positive nihilism. The fact that I don’t have to have all the answers, or fit into a pre-established belief system, allows me to embrace the freedom of creating my own meaning. It’s like a blank canvas where I get to decide what matters without needing to explain or justify it to anyone.

In accepting that we can’t explain everything, I find peace. It’s a reminder that life doesn’t need to be defined by rigid structures or grand purposes. We can choose what we believe, what we value, and what makes us happy, without needing to understand the "why" of everything.

Throughout history, humans have created religions to explain the mysteries of life, the universe, and our existence. Religions offer a sense of meaning, structure, and guidance providing answers to questions that once felt too vast or impossible to understand. They give us something to believe in when we’re searching for purpose in a world that can sometimes feel chaotic and unpredictable.

For me, spirituality isn't about following a specific religious doctrine, it's more about a deep connection with the world around me. I resonate with Shinto, not in a traditional religious sense, but in its reverence for nature, the peace it brings, and the values it upholds, such as gratitude.

There’s something deeply grounding in acknowledging the beauty of the natural world and feeling connected to something larger than myself, even if I don’t see it through the lens of organized religion. It’s this sense of gratitude, harmony, and mindfulness that guides my life, helping me find meaning in the simple things the flow of a river, the rustling of leaves, the quiet moments of reflection.

🥀 What Is Nihilism?

Nihilism is a philosophical belief that life has no inherent meaning, purpose, or value. It challenges the idea that there is a universal truth or divine plan that defines why we exist. Instead, nihilism suggests that meaning is not something fixed or given, it doesn’t exist by default.

This can sound dark at first, but it’s important to clarify that nihilism is not automatically negative. It simply begins with the idea that, at a cosmic level, there may be no predefined reason for our existence. That doesn’t mean life is pointless, it just means that any meaning we experience is created by us, not handed down from the universe or a higher power.

🥀 Example of Nihilism in Everyday Life:

Moral Values: Nihilism often includes moral nihilism, the idea that there are no objective moral rules. For example, while most societies agree that kindness is good, nihilism says this belief is based on shared human preferences, not an unchangeable law of the universe.

Note: This doesn’t mean nihilists are unethical, it just means they recognize that morality is a human construct.

Why is morality considered subjective (for them)?

Because what is considered “right” or “wrong” can change depending on time, place, and perspective. What was once seen as "right" is now seen as "wrong," and vice versa.

Lying is usually considered wrong. But if someone lies to protect a person in danger, many would say it’s justified.

Killing is considered immoral, but in war or self-defense, it's often socially accepted.

This shows that morality often depends on context, not an absolute rule.

Recognizing that morality is subjective can make someone more tolerant. Instead of labeling others as "bad" for having different beliefs, they might seek to understand the reasoning or culture behind those beliefs. This can lead to more respectful dialogue and less judgment.

A moral nihilist might say:

“I don’t believe morals are absolute, but I still follow certain principles, because they help people live peacefully together.”

Example: They don’t steal, not because it’s cosmically wrong, but because it causes harm, breaks trust, and leads to instability. They care about harmony, not punishment from a higher being.

Many moral nihilists are highly empathetic.

They might say:

“I know morality is human-made, but I feel bad when others are in pain. That’s enough reason to act kindly.”

Example: They comfort a crying friend not because a rule says “comfort others,” but because they genuinely care about how others feel.

They also understand that mutual respect, fairness, and compassion help society function. Even if morality is made up, they see its practical value.

Example: They follow traffic rules or social norms, not because it’s morally “right,” but because it keeps everyone safe.

Even without “good” and “bad,” they choose to avoid causing harm because they understand consequences.

They might say:

“I wouldn’t want someone to hurt me, so I won’t hurt others.”

Example: They don’t cheat, not because cheating is evil, but because they respect trust and don’t want to damage relationships.

They are not immoral. They are intentionally moral, choosing their actions through awareness, empathy, and reason, rather than following inherited systems blindly.

🥀 Why Does Nihilism Say Life Has No Meaning?

When we say “life has no meaning” from a nihilist perspective, it doesn’t mean life is bad or hopeless, it means that meaning is not something the universe gives us automatically.

When we ask, “What is the meaning of life?”, we’re usually looking for a universal answer, something that applies to everyone, no matter who they are or where they live. But here’s the thing: we’ve been asking that question for thousands of years, and there’s still no single, agreed-upon answer.

🥀 Nihilism comes from observing that:

🥀There’s No Universal Proof of Purpose:

No scientific or philosophical evidence proves that life was created for a specific reason. We exist, but there's no sign of an ultimate goal behind it, just biological processes and randomness.

🥀Different Cultures Give Different Answers:

Some cultures believe the meaning of life is serving a god, others believe it’s achieving balance, or happiness, or contributing to society. If meaning were truly universal, everyone would probably agree on it. But since each culture, and even each person, defines it differently, it suggests meaning is made, not given.

🥀The Universe Is Indifferent:

The universe doesn’t seem to reward good people or punish bad ones consistently. Natural disasters happen, people suffer, and coincidences rule much of our existence. From a nihilist point of view, this shows that the universe operates by natural laws, not moral or meaningful ones.

🥀We’re Temporary Beings in a Vast Cosmos:

On a cosmic scale, humans are tiny and short-lived. That’s not to say we don’t matter to each other, but in terms of the entire universe, our existence doesn’t seem to have a built-in significance.

🥀Why Nihilism Can Be Beautiful, Even Meaningful.

At first glance, nihilism seems to erase everything we hold dear: meaning, purpose, value.

But if you look closely, you’ll find that it doesn’t destroy meaning, it hands it back to you, with quiet openness.

If life has no built-in meaning, then meaning is no longer something to be found or earned, it’s something to be made. That shifts everything.

We’re no longer burdened by having to live up to some cosmic rulebook or fulfill a destiny we didn’t choose. We get to decide what matters to us, moment by moment.

This isn’t just comforting, it’s empowering.

It means that love, joy, connection, creativity, they don’t have to be validated by something eternal to be real. They’re meaningful because we feel them, because we choose them.

Just like a piece of art doesn’t have to last forever to move someone, life doesn’t have to be infinite or destined to be valuable.

A cherry blossom falls after just a few days, but no one questions its beauty.

Nihilism, when embraced gently, removes pressure and guilt. It allows space to create our own compass. Instead of searching endlessly for “the right path,” we can carve our own, however soft or unconventional it may be.

Even in a universe without inherent purpose, human beings are still capable of immense beauty. We write poetry. We cry during music. We hold hands when we’re afraid. None of it is necessary and that’s what makes it sacred.

So nihilism isn’t the absence of meaning. It’s the reminder that meaning is something we get to create, again and again.

Even if no one is watching. Even if it doesn’t last forever.

🥀 How I Live as a Positive Nihilist

Living as a positive nihilist doesn’t mean I ignore responsibilities or float through life without care. It means I approach life knowing that its meaning isn’t fixed, it’s chosen.

So, instead of asking “What should I do with my life?” in a cosmic sense, I ask, “What feels meaningful to me today?” This doesn’t make life shallow. It makes it intentional. I’m not following a script, I’m writing it, day by day, with values and joys I define myself.

For example, I value kindness, not because someone told me it’s important, but because I’ve seen how it softens people’s pain. I choose beauty in small things: well-arranged flowers, carefully written words, conversations where people really listen.

These aren’t grand achievements, and they won’t be remembered in history books.

But they matter in the present. And that’s enough.

I’ve also accepted that pain and uncertainty are part of life.

Positive nihilism doesn’t deny suffering, it simply doesn’t demand that suffering must serve a greater purpose. When I go through hard times, I don’t force myself to believe it’s “for a reason.”

I just allow it to exist, and focus on what I can do with it. Sometimes, healing is the only purpose pain needs to have.

I structure my days in ways that reflect what I care about now. I work toward goals not because I need to prove anything, but because growth feels fulfilling. I make space for rest because I don’t believe productivity defines my worth.

In this way, positive nihilism becomes a philosophy of freedom and responsibility. I’m free from universal expectations but I’m also responsible for choosing how I live. That means thinking critically about what I value and being honest about the kind of life I want to build.

It’s not always easy. Some days feel hollow. But the beauty is that I don’t have to pretend otherwise. I don’t have to force meaning. I just keep moving gently, making room for new meaning to grow.

🥀 The Link Between Subjectivism and Positive Nihilism.

I’ve always seen the world through a subjectivist lens, where truth, beauty, and meaning are deeply personal, not absolute. What moves one person might leave another untouched. What feels sacred to me might feel ordinary to someone else. And that’s okay.

🥀 Subjectivism and positive nihilism intertwine naturally.

If there is no fixed, universal meaning in life, then meaning becomes something shaped by our individual experiences, values, and emotions. It becomes subjective by nature.

For me, this is freeing. I don’t need the world to agree with my sense of purpose. I don’t need my dreams or beliefs to be validated by everyone to make them real. I can hold meaning in my own hands, gently and privately, like a pressed flower in a notebook.

It also helps me stay open to others. Because if meaning is subjective, then everyone is carrying their own little constellation of what matters. I don’t need to argue with it. I just need to understand that it's theirs, just as mine is mine.

So instead of seeking objective answers, I focus on building a life that feels right for me. A life that reflects my heart, even if no one else understands it. That’s where I find peace, not in universal truths, but in personal resonance.

🥀What Is Subjectivism?

Subjectivism is the belief that our truths, whether about morality, beauty, or meaning, come from within us, not from some objective source outside. It means there isn’t one universal way to see the world. Instead, each person’s experience becomes their lens, shaping how they feel, what they value, and how they understand life.

For example, there’s no single definition of what makes a life “good.” Some might say it’s about success, others might say it’s love or creativity or faith. Subjectivism doesn’t try to argue which one is right. It simply says: your truth is yours, mine is mine.

It doesn’t mean “anything goes,” or that there are no consequences, it just means we recognize that people live by different emotional and philosophical compasses. And we respect that.

As someone who’s soft-hearted and introspective, subjectivism fits naturally into how I move through the world. I’m less interested in what’s “correct” and more interested in what feels real, kind, or genuine even if it’s only real to one person.

Subjectivism helps me live gently. It reminds me not to force others into my way of thinking, and not to shrink myself to fit someone else’s. It gives me permission to be tender with my own truth, even when it’s quiet or unusual.

🥀How I Live as a Subjectivist.

Living as a subjectivist means I’m always navigating the world from a deeply personal perspective. Instead of relying on universal truths or societal standards to tell me what’s important, I focus on what resonates with me, what feels right in my heart.

For example, when I make decisions, I consider how they align with my own values. I don’t seek approval or validation from others, but instead ask myself, “Does this decision bring me peace? Does it align with who I am today?”

It’s about making space for my own voice, even if it goes against the crowd. When others hold beliefs that don’t match mine, I don’t see them as “wrong” or “misguided.” I understand that their truth is simply different.

Everyone is a reflection of their own experiences, and that’s a beautiful thing to me. It’s not my job to change their perspectives, just to accept that their truth exists, as mine does.

We are all temporary guests in this world. No one stays forever, we're all just here for a while. We’re not here to control everything.

This doesn’t mean I’m indifferent to others. Far from it.

In fact, subjectivism helps me understand people more deeply. It allows me to connect with others without needing to impose my own standards. I can listen without judgment, respect their feelings without trying to “fix” them. I appreciate their stories, even when they diverge from my own.

Living as a subjectivist also means accepting that life isn’t black and white. There’s no one “right” way to love, to live, or to be. It’s all about the unique blend of experiences, emotions, and values that shape each person’s path. By embracing subjectivism, I embrace the beauty of difference, and the freedom to live my own truth.

🥀 Are Positive Nihilists and Subjectivists Happy?

Happiness, in the context of positive nihilism and subjectivism, is a bit of a paradox.

It’s not about finding one final answer to life’s meaning, but about creating moments of peace and contentment in the present.

As a positive nihilist, I don’t rely on external sources or grand purpose to define my happiness. I understand that life has no inherent meaning, but this doesn’t mean I feel empty or lost. In fact, it’s the opposite. The absence of external purpose gives me the freedom to carve out my own meaning, one choice at a time.

Being a subjectivist complements this beautifully. By acknowledging that everyone has their own unique perspective on happiness, I learn to focus on my version of it. I don’t compare myself to others’ standards or chase societal expectations. Instead, I ask myself: What does my happiness look like today?

Sometimes it’s in small things, like a quiet walk in a park, a conversation with a dear friend, or simply being present in the moment. Other times, it’s in bigger choices, like pursuing passions or building a life that aligns with my values.

While positive nihilism might suggest that life doesn’t have an ultimate purpose, it also opens the door to limitless possibilities for creating personal happiness. And subjectivism reminds me that my happiness doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

In this sense, yes, positive nihilists and subjectivists can be happy, but not in the traditional sense of happiness being a fixed destination. It’s more about embracing the freedom to define it for yourself and finding joy in the process. Happiness isn’t about what life “should” be, it’s about what you decide it can be, right here, right now.

🥀 Positive vs. Negative Nihilism.

While both positive and negative nihilism recognize that life has no inherent meaning, the way they approach this idea can be quite different. The key difference lies in how one chooses to react to the absence of a fixed purpose.

🥀Negative Nihilism 🌑.

Negative nihilism tends to focus on the despair that comes from the realization that life has no predetermined meaning. For some, this can feel like a weight that drags everything down, an emptiness that can feel suffocating. Negative nihilists may see this lack of meaning as something to mourn or fear, because if life has no greater purpose, then nothing matters. This perspective can lead to feelings of nihilism as a void, where everything seems pointless, and there’s no motivation to create or connect.

In this view, the absence of meaning can feel overwhelming, as if life is just a fleeting moment in an indifferent universe. It’s a form of nihilism that can lead to apathy or despair.

🥀 Positive Nihilism ☀️.

On the other hand, positive nihilism sees the lack of inherent meaning as liberating. Without any fixed rules or grand purpose, we are free to create our own meaning, moment by moment. It doesn’t deny the reality of a purposeless universe; rather, it embraces it, seeing it as an opportunity. Positive nihilists recognize that life’s meaning isn’t dictated from the outside, they get to shape it however they want. This freedom leads to a more flexible, open approach to existence.

For me, positive nihilism means seeing the beauty in the fact that there’s no ultimate meaning to life, so I’m free to make what I want of it. I don't feel burdened by a need to fulfill a universal purpose. Instead, I focus on what brings me joy, connection, and peace, understanding that even small moments can be deeply fulfilling.

🥀Closing Thoughts: Navigating a Conformist World as a Positive Nihilist and Subjectivism.

Living as a positive nihilist and subjectivist in a world that often demands conformity isn’t always easy.

Society, with its predefined expectations and standards, tends to encourage us to follow a set path.

It’s easy to feel pressure to fit into these molds, especially when so many people around us seem to do so effortlessly.

But as a positive nihilist, I’ve come to understand that I don’t need (anymore) to follow those paths. There’s no universal meaning or success, and that’s something I can embrace.

However, it’s not always as simple as it sounds. The pressure to conform is real, sometimes it feels like an invisible weight, pulling at me to fit in or live up to a certain ideal. This is where the challenge lies.

Being a subjectivist complicates things further. Because I see truth, beauty, and happiness as deeply personal, it’s hard not to compare my path with others’ sometimes. Society often suggests there is one “right” way to live, and if my choices don’t align with that vision, it can feel isolating. It’s a quiet battle between my inner truth and the external expectations.

But despite these challenges, I remind myself that the absence of fixed meaning is also a gift.

I don’t need to conform to what’s considered “normal” or “successful.” I have the freedom to carve out my own life, even if that means walking a less-trodden path. It takes courage to embrace this freedom in a world that constantly tries to tell us who we should be, but I believe that’s where true peace is found, by staying true to myself, even when the world doesn’t understand.

Being a positive nihilist and subjectivist in today’s society means accepting that I might not always fit in, and that’s okay. It means choosing to live a life that is uniquely mine, even if it looks different from the conventional path. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Ultimately, the challenges are part of what makes this journey meaningful. It’s through staying true to who I am, in the face of external pressures, that I discover the quiet joys of life. The small moments of freedom, the personal victories, and the peace that comes from knowing I’m not living for anyone else’s truth, but my own.

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🥀 Moral relativism

Moral relativism is the philosophical view that moral judgments are not absolute or universal, but instead are relative to the cultural, individual, or situational context in which they arise.

In other words, what one group or person sees as "right" or "wrong" might not be seen the same way by another and there’s no single objective standard that overrides all perspectives.

There are a few forms:

🥀 Cultural relativism: Morality is determined by cultural norms and traditions.

🥀 Individual relativism (subjectivism): Morality is based on personal beliefs or feelings.

🥀 Situational ethics: The right action depends on the specific context or situation, rather than fixed laws.

It’s often contrasted with moral absolutism, which holds that certain moral principles apply universally, regardless of context.

I know Moral nihilism and Moral relativism sound similar, but there's a big difference in attitude and belief about the nature of morality itself.

🥀 Moral Relativism:

Believes moral values exist, but they are not universal.

Right and wrong depend on context (culture, individual, situation).

Example: “In one culture, it’s moral to eat meat; in another, it’s not. Neither is objectively right or wrong.”

So, relativists still think morality is real, just not objective.

🥀 Moral Nihilism:

Believes morality doesn't exist at all.

There are no true moral facts ; no good, no evil, just preferences or feelings.

Example: “Calling murder 'bad' is just an emotional reaction, not a fact about the world.”

So, nihilists think all moral claims are ultimately meaningless in a truth-based sense.

🥀 Think of it like this:

Relativist: “Morality is real, but it depends on who you ask.”

Nihilist: “Morality is made up.”

When a moral relativist says morality is “real,” they mean it's real within a given framework like a culture, society, or individual. They don’t think morals exist like laws of physics, but they do matter to the people who believe in them.

So while a nihilist would say, “None of this matters it’s all meaningless,”

a relativist says, “It matters to someone, and that gives it weight.”

They believe:

Morals are social constructs but they function powerfully in shaping behavior and meaning.

They can’t be “proven,” but they can be deeply felt and lived.

🥀 Can you be both?

Short answer:

A pure moral nihilist and a moral relativist can’t be the same thing at the same time, but a person can move between those views or blend them in a practical way.

🥀 1. Moral nihilism (at the root):

You might believe there’s no objective morality at all. Nothing is truly right or wrong.

All values are made-up.

🥀2. But... society exists :

And humans are social creatures, we build rules and norms to function. So:

🥀 3. Enter Moral Relativism (in practice):

Even if morals aren’t “real,” they matter in context.

We can say: “There’s no ultimate morality, but since we made one, let’s take it seriously within that system.”

Like playing a game : you know the rules are invented, but you still play by them.

So my position might be called :

"Pragmatic relativism" or "Constructive nihilism"

– You believe morals are invented...

– But you accept or even support them because they serve a purpose (but they're subjective).

You can think like a nihilist (no true morality)

but live like a relativist (morality exists within human systems).

1. Pragmatism

🥀"Truth is what works."

It’s a philosophy that says: instead of asking if something is absolutely true, ask whether it’s useful.

A pragmatist sees beliefs as tools if they help you live better or solve problems, they’re valid.

Example: Even if we can’t prove life has meaning, if believing in love or art helps you cope and grow then it matters.

2. Relativism

🥀"Truth depends on context."

There is no universal truth in this view. Everything is relative to culture, society, or personal perspective. What’s "right" or "wrong" depends on where, when, and who you are.

Example: One culture might value independence, another community. Neither is wrong, they just see the world differently.

🥀Difference between values and morals.

Values are deeply held beliefs about what is important or worthwhile in life. They guide our actions, decisions, and priorities. Values are often influenced by individual experiences, culture, and personal reflections. For example, someone might value honesty, kindness, or freedom. Values are subjective and can vary from person to person.

Morals, on the other hand, are principles or standards of right and wrong that are often shaped by societal, cultural, or religious norms. Morals dictate how we should behave in a community and are typically seen as rules for conduct. For example, many societies hold the moral principle that stealing is wrong. While morals are often shared by larger groups, they can also evolve over time or vary across cultures.

In summary: Values are personal beliefs about what’s important, while morals are societal guidelines for right and wrong.

It's possible to have values without traditional morals.

Values without morals: A person could have strong personal values such as the importance of creativity, independence, or knowledge without adhering to the commonly accepted moral rules of society. For instance, they might value freedom of expression but not necessarily follow conventional moral standards about how they should express themselves, even if that goes against societal expectations. This could be someone who rejects moral norms but still lives according to their own personal code.

Yes, in a sense, you could have values that don't align perfectly with traditional morals, which might make someone seem more "unconventional" or even amoral (lacking adherence to accepted moral principles). This could be seen in some philosophers or thinkers who prioritize personal values but might reject societal moral frameworks as restrictive or outdated.

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🥀Roots of nihilism.

Nihilism isn’t something that one single person created, like an invention, it’s more like a philosophical mood or realization that has appeared in different cultures and times. But the term nihilism became known mostly through European philosophy, especially in the 19th century.

🥀 The Roots – Before the Word “Nihilism“.

Even in ancient times, some philosophers questioned meaning and morality. For example:

-Buddhist thought sometimes points to the idea of impermanence and the absence of fixed self although it’s spiritual, it touches a form of non-attachment to meaning.

- In Greek philosophy, skeptics questioned whether humans could know anything with certainty.

🥀 The Word Appears – 18th to 19th Century.

- The word “nihilism” comes from the Latin nihil, meaning nothing.

- It became known in Russia in the 1800s, used to describe young intellectuals who rejected religious and moral values.

- Then Friedrich Nietzsche, the most famous philosopher associated with nihilism, explored it deeply. He said that Western culture had “killed God” (as a symbol of absolute truth), and now had to face a world with no fixed meaning.

But Nietzsche didn’t want people to become hopeless. He wanted them to create their own values.

🥀 Existentialists and Beyond.

Later philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus took nihilism in new directions. Camus, for example, asked: “If life has no inherent meaning, why not give up?” But instead, he chose to rebel against meaninglessness by living with passion anyway.

That’s very close to positive nihilism accepting the lack of universal meaning, but creating your own.

So nihilism wasn’t “invented,” but grew over time, through the thoughts of many who stared into the void, and asked what to do with it.