Nihilism

 
 

 

There are some beliefs

I find especially incredible

Like that particular understanding

That nothing is visible.

 

For example: what one sees

Is not really there,

It is what the mind perceives

Let the viewer beware!

 

An introduction to lawlessness

Insanity at the least,

A sort of: you really ate nothing,

You thought you had a feast.

 

A denial of objective reality

A sense that everything is unreal

Like taking mail from the postman

But there’s no postman or mail.

 

It’s like living out a dream

Where one never comes awake

And events whether good or bad

Are all illusory and faked.

 

A doctrine that is no doctrine

Since nothing in the world exists,

In fact, there is no world at all

So, strike that off your list.

 

No pain, no grief, no loss

Such illusions are of the mind,

A mind that has never existed

Not now or at any time.

 

 

This belief is ultra-amazing

And it actually has a name,

A name that is just as delusional

As its philosophical claims.

 

Nihilism is a psychotic belief

That knows no boundary or law,

Everything that is does not exist

Surely you can see the flaw.

 

Hence, there is no authority

Established or otherwise,

Its advocates can do as they please

No need to even disguise.

 

The emperor had to be a nihilist

Convinced he was wearing clothes

When in fact he was naked

From his head down to his toes.

 

A dangerous doctrine and belief

Nihilism would have to be

And any devoted nihilist

Would have to be too blind to see.

 

Stewart Russell © November 2, 2021