You Can’t Win. So Win.
I think I am an optimistic nihilist. But, I’ve never actually studied philosophy. I’ve read the (or several) definitions of optimistic nihilism and I think it fits. But here’s what it actually means to me.
“Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters” - Jonathan Bailey, as someone in Wicked.
I don’t agree with the theme of the song itself, skating through, not trying, but I do agree that knowing nothing matters is a key in life that sets you free.
… You can’t put yourself first. So, put yourself first. You can’t be confident. So be confident. … You can’t win. So win.
As a former athlete, and current burned-out yet hopeful mid-lifer, this Nike commercial hit me right in my soul. It’s exactly how I view optimistic nihilism. In this sense, it means the world tells you you can’t, so do it anyway. Who makes up these rules anyway, right?
If there’s no inherent meaning to life, then we get to decide what ours means. For some, that’s daunting. For me, it’s freedom.
