Thanks for the insights. I've been following and reading about stoicism, which seems a bit similar. It also focuses on the here and now, and on what you can and cannot control (which is a lot). Doing the right thing is also an important aspect.

[–] absGeekNZ 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I like stoicism, is was the first philosophy that resonated with me, and still influences my thoughts. But if there is one criticism of stoic philosophy is is that it ignores the effect you have on others.

As you say, doing the right thing is an important aspect, but if something you do hurts someone else stoicism doesn't have a lot to say about it. It is a little self focused for my liking.

Optimistic nihilism folds the best parts of stocism in and adds responsibility for your actions, i.e. if it is important to you not to be thought of as a prick, then treating people well naturally falls from that. It you do something to hurt someone, it is your responsibility to make it right.

[–] sylverstream 3 points 1 year ago

Good point about it being self focused.

Think how you describe optimistic nihilism is how I try to live mostly. I don't have a problem saying sorry like many people seem to have, and I am happy to admit when I was wrong. Especially with kids I think that's important. My father never said sorry for anything.

I've been raised Christian, and one core belief of it is to treat others like you want to be treated. I don't like many other things about Christianity though, but that's the one thing I'm sticking with.