so, i don’t claim to understand much in the way of philosophy, but the uncaring nature of the universe is pretty scary to me. you’re right in that the universe itself doesn’t have volition but that’s exactly the point. the universe is uncaring because it’s incapable of it, and that’s what’s frightening. i also have a phobia of being caught in heavy machinery, which i would similarly describe as ‘uncaring’. it’ll rip your arms off or whatever because it doesn’t care nor know that a human is trapped inside.
And while not the dictionary definition of cruel since it has no motive, I think the feeling of metaphoric cruelty is there in that if you need to protect yourself from the universe, so I think it’s pedantic to complain about that wording as well.
I’m not implying your worries are not valid, but I’ve never understood this perspective. From my point of view, an uncaring universe is freeing. We have no responsibility to any great power, and are free to choose our own path.
I mean, to me, that’s the positive spin on it. I think it can be both things at once.
Right. I don’t have much information on nihilism beyond “life is suffering”, and I’m not sure it applies to these Pop-Nihilists. But I’m sure they world argue that no external entity is needed to deem the universe as cruel. If I were to make a guess, I’d say they would likely refer to the laws of nature in place of the universe, deeming “nature” (if you will) as cruel, or at least uncaring. Tough, this would be far from the initial “life is suffering” claim, I’m sure it would entail some form of effect nature has on the human psyche (e.g. causality/determinism and with that certain unappealing emotions like hopelessness or frustration). If anyone knows more or would tend to disagree, please let me know :)
All in all good meme, but not very coherent critique, in my opinion
I would like to know how did they came to the conclusion that the world problems is caused by nature and not other selfish people. Politicians who didn’t allow me to my country’s university because of my religious beliefs made this choice not because “the nature” forced them, or they somehow lacked free will. They may blame our flawed natures like greed but I would argue that we can choose not to listen to our emotions and desires. I can shallow my anger, and silence my pride which makes me an entity separate from it’s emotions. People can also change their mind if they choose, both in a positive and negative way.
Good points, actually. I can’t really comment on the nature of free will, as I don’t know how common nihilism stands on that matter (I would say that a determined universe seems more “cruel”, tough). Whether or not free will exists you could still argue that the actions of people are still the result of the universe
yeah, the universe/nature/whatever you want to call it is absolutely cruel but that’s due to its random nature. think about kids with leukemia, etc.
I’d say it’s more tragic than cruel. In my mind, cruelty requires conscious decision, something the universe is incapable of. The universe isn’t inflicting anything, it is simply happening.
I think that’s more arguing over semantics tbh.
Aren’t memes supposed to be at least a little humorous?
This is basically a rant on a picture. Like, what am I missing here?
It’s kinda meta and more than a little dumb. The “joke” of the subway meme is to have the text have nothing to do with subway, and to show obvious evidence of lots of edits and compression, like there was a back-and-forth argument. Idk why.
Ahhhh. At least that makes a degree of sense out of it. Thanks :)
If we are just the universe collectively observing itself, then the universe does have cognition and volition. We are part of the universe. We have cognition and volition. Ergo, the universe has these also.
Boom! Roasted
pop nihilists be like “but Dr. Pepper, I am Pagliacci”
I feel like this meme doesn’t say anything
pop nihilists be like “but Dr. Pepper, I am Pagliacci”
Things go up things go down
Wise words
