WE> What's a nihil?
 DM> "nothing"
 DM> It is not an easily defined word as even Webster gets lost in the "nihil
 DM> - ism",  associating the term with a diverse of negative implications.
 DM> In addition to the basic definition I see it extended into the emptiness
 DM> of man not in the center of meaning ...not knowing .....never to know.
 DM> .......a challenge, perhaps essential to some limited forms of optimism.
 DM> The quiet place-state of "Nirvava" is a POSITIVE epic quiet of
 DM> attainment. A null set (math) is an artificial construct to serve a
 DM> purpose. I don't believe the "NIHIL" can be identified with either of
 DM> them. It is more a wall, or side, of what we cannot seem to know of our
 DM> reality. The above may not fit clearly into proper definition but it
 DM> indicates some how I see it. Though not quick on the tongue, it might
 DM> even be a term more comfortable near to dark poetry ....where knowing
 DM> can skirt reason .....with a bit of patience and licence.
   I see no pressing need for some list of dictionary definitions of many 
uch
words.  NihilISM basically presents a "system" of opinion which denies the
validity of philosophy as a valid approach as it grew from the time of
Parmenides through the various revelations of human reason down through
centuries of western civilization to the present.  It became intensely 
opular
with young Russian intellectuals in the extremity of the western intellectual
breakdown of the 19th century.  It is a kind of "escape valve" for those who
see reality as nothing more than a pressure of "systems of opinion" for one 
f
them to emerge as "truth."  Under the "nihil" the conflicting opinions of
human beings constitute the only possible reality and since none of them have
any ultimate validity there is room only for suicide or utter boredom, 
eeking
relief in drugs or the equivalent.  To accept the nihil as THE reality leaves
nothing further to discuss.  There is a reluctance, however, even on the part
of those who embrace it to carry it out to this logical end.
Sincerely, 
                                     Frank
                                                                              
                                                       
--- PPoint 2.05
---------------