Nihilism vs. Existentialism: Are They Really Opposites?

When people hear the word nihilism, they often imagine despair, emptiness, and meaninglessness. In contrast, existentialism is often seen as a philosophy of choice, freedom, and self‑made purpose. But are these two ways of thinking really opposites—or is there a hidden link between them? In this article, we’ll explore the subtle relationship between nihilism and existentialism, and then walk through a practical 3‑step existentialist workout you can try to create meaning in your own life.

NON-STOIC PHILOSOPHIES

9/20/20252 min read

What is Nihilism?

Nihilism is the belief that life has no inherent meaning or value.

It questions the foundation of morality, truth, and purpose.
Thinkers like Friedrich Nietzsche argued that, once traditional belief systems collapse, humans are left in a state of “nothingness.”
For many, nihilism can feel bleak—if nothing matters, why get up in the morning?

But nihilism is not always negative. Sometimes, it is the first step to freedom. By realizing there is no “fixed” meaning of life, you are free to explore and create your own.

What is Existentialism?

Existentialism begins with the same insight: the world doesn’t come with built‑in meaning. However, instead of stopping at despair, existentialism emphasizes choice and responsibility.

Jean‑Paul Sartre argued that “existence precedes essence.” We aren’t born with a fixed purpose—we must define it ourselves.
Existentialists believe you must make authentic choices to live meaningfully.
Instead of collapsing under the weight of nothingness, existentialism calls us to action: create, commit, and choose meaning.

Are Nihilism and Existentialism Opposites?

Not exactly. They are more like two stages of the same journey.

Nihilism shows us the void: life has no given purpose.
Existentialism answers that void: you can still make meaning by your choices.

So rather than being strict opposites, existentialism can be seen as a response to nihilism. Where nihilism ends with a question mark, existentialism begins with a decision.

Create Your Own Meaning: A Practical 3‑Step Existentialist Workout

Existentialism doesn’t have to be just theory for philosophers. You can use it as a daily exercise to create meaning and feel less trapped by routine. Here’s a simple 3‑step workout you can try:

Step 1: Embrace the Void

Take 5 minutes to reflect: If nothing in life had pre‑given meaning, what would that mean for me?

Write down the systems, traditions, or external pressures that you feel dictate your life.
Acknowledge them, but remind yourself they don’t own your choices.

This is your “existential warm‑up”—seeing life with clear eyes.

Step 2: Choose Your Value

Ask yourself: What do I want my life to stand for?

Pick one value—creativity, kindness, courage, knowledge.
Write it down and commit to living by it today.

This is your “core lift”—choosing a weight to carry that shapes your life.

Step 3: Take One Authentic Action

Do something small but aligned with your chosen value.

If you choose kindness, send a heartfelt message to a friend.
If you choose creativity, sketch for 10 minutes.
If you choose knowledge, read one page of a challenging book.

This is your “cool‑down”—turning thought into lived experience.

Why This Workout Works

It shifts you from passive existence to active creation.
It reframes nihilism not as despair, but as a chance for freedom.
It makes existentialism practical: meaningful living in micro‑actions.

Final Thoughts

Nihilism and existentialism are not bitter enemies. They are dance partners in the human search for meaning. Nihilism clears the ground of illusions; existentialism builds something new in that open space.

By practicing this 3‑step existentialist workout, you can move beyond abstract philosophy and start shaping life into something that reflects your truest choices.

After all, meaning isn’t found—it’s made.