Today we will learn about two big ideas called absurdism and nihilism. These ideas come from thinking about life and asking big questions like, "Why am I here?" and "What makes life special?" We also talk a little about a subject called existentialism. Existentialism is about our feelings and the way we think about who we are and why we live. Even though these ideas may seem hard, we can understand them with simple words and examples from our everyday lives.
Every day you wake up and play, laugh, and learn new things. Sometimes, you might wonder why you do certain things or why things happen the way they do. Many grown-ups have thought about these ideas for a long time. They have come up with different ways to explain how life works. Two of these ways are called absurdism and nihilism.
Absurdism and nihilism are ways to think about why we exist. These ideas make us ask deep questions. Even though these questions might sound tricky, we can look at them with simple examples. Today, we will talk about what these words mean and how they relate to our everyday feelings and actions.
Existentialism is a way of thinking about our lives that helps us understand our feelings and what makes us who we are. It asks questions like, "Who am I?" and "What makes me happy?" Imagine you have a favorite toy. You know that your toy is special to you, even if someone else does not understand why it is special. Existentialism helps us think about the things that make us feel alive and important.
This way of thinking reminds us to look at our own lives and know that every day is full of moments to learn and grow. When you feel happy playing with your friends or proud when you learn something new, that is a way of finding meaning in your life. Existentialism helps you see that every little feeling and experience is a part of who you are.
Absurdism is the idea that sometimes life does not make sense. It is like trying to build a puzzle when some pieces do not fit. Imagine you are playing with blocks. You try to stack them very high, but suddenly the blocks fall down. You might giggle or scratch your head because the blocks did not stay as you planned. This feeling is a bit like absurdism.
In absurdism, people say that life can be funny and confusing. Sometimes, things happen that we never expect. Think about a day when you go outside to play, and suddenly, it starts to rain. You might feel confused because you were ready for a sunny day. Even though it seems strange, you can still enjoy splashing in puddles or watching the rainbow appear after the rain. That mix of surprise and confusion is a good way to understand absurdism.
When you see something odd or funny that you cannot explain, that is a sign of absurdism. It shows us that not everything in life follows a clear rule. Even though our big plans sometimes fall apart, we can learn to laugh at the surprise and keep trying new things.
Nihilism is another idea about life. It tells us that nothing has a deep meaning or special purpose. Imagine you have a box of crayons. You see red, blue, green, and many other colors. Now, imagine someone says that these colors are just colors and that they do not mean anything special. That is similar to what nihilism means.
In nihilism, some people believe that nothing in the world has a hidden message. Imagine playing a game where there are no rules. You might feel lost or confused because you do not know what to do. Nihilism can feel a little like that, where nothing seems to have a clear reason. It tells us that there is no secret plan behind every event in our lives.
Even though nihilism might sound like a sad way to think about things, it is just one way of looking at life. Some people use this idea to say that we should not worry too much if we cannot find a big purpose in every single moment. Sometimes, life just happens, and that is okay too.
Both absurdism and nihilism are ways to think about life. They both ask important questions about why we exist and what things mean. However, they are not the same.
Absurdism tells us that life can be funny and confusing at the same time. It shows us that even if things do not go as planned, there can be moments of joy in the surprises. For example, when your ice cream falls on the ground, you might first feel sad, but then you notice you can laugh about it and try again. That twist of emotions is what absurdism is about.
Nihilism, on the other hand, is the idea that nothing has any hidden meaning. It tells us that there is no big lesson or secret purpose behind what happens around us. Imagine playing a game without any rules where every move feels random. That feeling of emptiness is similar to what nihilism describes.
In simple words, absurdism helps you see the fun in life’s surprises. Nihilism makes you think that nothing is really important. Both ideas come from trying to understand life, but they show us different ways of looking at our everyday experiences.
The human condition is a way to talk about the feelings and experiences that everyone shares. Every morning, you feel excited to see your friends, and sometimes you feel a little sad if plans change. All these feelings are part of being human. Existentialism, absurdism, and nihilism help us talk about these feelings.
Every day, you might face moments that seem confusing. Perhaps you wonder why it sometimes rains when you planned to have a picnic. These moments make you think and ask questions. They are all a part of the human condition—how you feel about life as you live it.
Even though these big ideas can seem hard to understand, they help grown-ups and older students think about why life is the way it is. For you, it is enough to know that having questions and feeling surprised sometimes is a normal part of being alive.
Let us look at some simple examples from everyday life that help explain these ideas:
Example 1: Think about a day when you planned to play outside. You got your favorite ball, but then, suddenly, dark clouds came and it started raining. You may feel a little upset because your playtime was disturbed. This surprise is a little like absurdism, where things do not always go as expected.
Example 2: Now, imagine if you were told that no matter how hard you try, nothing you do will change what happens during recess. This feeling may be similar to nihilism, where someone believes that nothing has any special meaning.
Example 3: Picture a time when you couldn’t solve a puzzle. The pieces did not fit together perfectly even though you tried several times. This might feel strange and a bit silly. That feeling also shows the idea of absurdism because sometimes, no matter how we try, things remain puzzling and unexpected.
These examples can help you understand that while life sometimes feels like a puzzle, it is still filled with moments of fun. Even when the puzzle pieces do not match, you can laugh and enjoy the process of trying to solve it.
Even if we think about how confusing or unpredictable life can be, it is important to remember that there are lots of small, happy moments each day. When you see a bright rainbow after the rain, hear your favorite song, or share a smile with a friend, these moments bring joy to your life.
Absurdism teaches us that even if things do not have a clear plan, we can still find reasons to smile. Nihilism might tell us that nothing is important, but your smile, your laughter, and every warm hug are important because you choose to make them so. Every little action you take adds color to your life, just like painting a picture with many bright crayons.
People of all ages sometimes wonder about the meaning of life. They ask big questions like, "Why do I wake up every day?" or "What is the point of playing games or sharing stories?" These questions help us think about what makes life interesting.
Absurdism and nihilism are two ways that people have tried to answer these questions. Some people find comfort in seeing life as a mystery full of surprises, as in absurdism. Others might feel that life does not have a grand purpose, which is the idea behind nihilism. Both ways of thinking help us explore our deep feelings about life.
Imagine reading a storybook where sometimes the characters face funny surprises, and other times, things happen without a clear reason. The mix of emotions you feel when reading that story is similar to the mix of ideas in absurdism and nihilism. As you grow older and learn more, you will have the chance to explore these ideas further and decide what makes sense for you.
It is okay to feel confused sometimes. When you think about big ideas like absurdism and nihilism, you might not have all the answers. This is normal and part of learning. Every day, you discover something new, even if it feels puzzling at first. Just like when you solve a jigsaw puzzle and the picture slowly comes together, your feelings and thoughts help build the story of your life.
When you feel confused, it means you are thinking deeply and trying to understand the world better. Whether you laugh at the funny surprises of life or wonder if everything has a hidden reason, remember that your thoughts are important. Every question you ask helps you learn more about yourself. This is why it is important to keep exploring and talking about your feelings.
Sharing what you think about life can help you feel better. When you talk with a teacher, a parent, or a friend about something funny or strange that happened, you are working through these big ideas. For example, if you tell someone about the time your toy did something unexpected, you are exploring what absurdism might mean.
When you listen to others tell their stories, you learn that many people have moments of surprise or confusion. Everyone has times when things do not go as planned. By talking about these moments, we see that life is full of adventures and mysteries.
Imagine sitting in a circle with your friends and sharing a story. Each story might be different, but they all make up a big picture of life. Your story, along with everyone else’s, shows the many ways people experience life. This is how we learn that even if some moments seem without a planned meaning, they are all important parts of our lives.
Even if some ideas say that life might feel confusing or without a grand purpose, you can choose to give your life meaning every day. Every time you help a friend, enjoy a game, or spend time with your family, you are making your life special.
Your actions, laughter, and kind words create meaning. Think of life as a big garden with many different flowers. Each flower is important because it makes the garden beautiful. In the same way, every smile you share or kind deed you do adds beauty to your life.
Remember, just because some people talk about big ideas like absurdism and nihilism does not mean that you have to feel lost. You can always choose to see the joy in small things and create your own reasons for happiness. You are the one who makes your day bright through the love and care you show to others.
Even though absurdism and nihilism might sound like words for grown-ups, they can also relate to things you see every day. Imagine you are in a park with your friends. You run, play, and enjoy the sunshine. Suddenly, a gentle breeze changes the game, and you have to follow new rules. This change might feel unexpected, but it adds fun to your playtime. That mix of surprise and fun shows us the idea of absurdism, where unexpected things can still be enjoyed.
On the other hand, if you wake up on a day when everything seems ordinary and no one seems to care much about the little things, you might feel a bit like nihilism. It is as if nothing has a special sparkle. But then you remember how a kind smile or a shared laugh can light up your day. This shows that even if some moments feel empty, you can fill them with your own meaning by doing what makes you happy.
Each person sees the world in their own special way. Some people find meaning in everything they do and see every moment as important. Others might wonder if life is just a series of random events. Both ways of seeing things are okay. It is important to listen to how you feel and to understand that your thoughts can change as you learn more.
Imagine that you are reading a storybook with many pictures and adventures. Sometimes the story has a clear message, and sometimes it is all about the fun of the unknown. Just like the pictures in the book, every part of your day has its own beauty and surprise. In this way, you learn that life can be a mix of clear moments and puzzling ones. Both pieces help make the whole picture complete.
As you grow up, it is very good to ask questions about the world around you. Questions like, "Why is the sky blue?" or "Why do we celebrate birthdays?" help you understand more about life. Big ideas like absurdism and nihilism also come from asking questions about why things happen.
When you think, "What makes me happy today?" or "Why did something unexpected happen?" you are using your curiosity to explore the world. Even if the answers are not always clear, every question helps you learn more about yourself and the people around you.
Remember, asking questions is part of being a curious and thoughtful person. It is perfectly natural to wonder about the reasons behind small surprises and big mysteries alike.
Let us listen to a simple story. Once upon a time, in a quiet town, there was a little boy named Alex who loved to explore. Alex would climb trees, watch birds fly, and run happily in the playground. One day, while playing, Alex saw a big, colorful kite soaring high in the sky. Suddenly, the kite got caught in the branches of a tall tree. Alex felt sad to see his favorite toy tangled, yet he also found the scene a bit funny because of the unusual way the kite swayed in the wind.
Alex wondered why the kite did not behave as he expected. He thought about whether it was meant to fly freely or if it was part of a bigger mystery of the day. In that moment, Alex experienced something like absurdism. He saw that even when things go wrong, there can be a strange kind of beauty and humor in the surprise.
Later, a friend came and helped Alex untangle the kite. Together, they laughed about the unexpected turn of events. This simple adventure showed them that even when things do not work as planned, life can still be full of fun and meaning. Alex learned that sometimes feeling puzzled is okay and that every day holds a chance to discover something new.
Art, music, and stories are wonderful ways to express our feelings and thoughts. When you draw a picture or sing a song, you show parts of who you are. Sometimes your drawing might have bright, happy colors, and sometimes it might have darker shades when you feel confused. This creative process is similar to the ideas of absurdism. Even if the picture does not look perfect, it tells your own story.
Listening to a song or reading a story can also show that not everything has to follow a set path. The beauty of art is that it lets you decide what is important. Your drawing of a rainbow after a rainy day, for example, brings a feeling of hope and joy. It tells you that even if the day feels cloudy, there is always something bright waiting around the corner.
As you grow and experience more of the world, you will begin to understand your own feelings better. Sometimes you may feel happy, sometimes confused, and sometimes even a little lost. All these feelings are normal. When you feel that your day is like a scrambled puzzle, know that it is just one part of your journey.
Talking with someone you trust about your feelings can help you understand them better. If you ever feel like you do not understand why something happened, remember that it is okay to feel that way. Many people have moments when they question things. Whether you think about absurdism, which shows the fun in surprises, or nihilism, which makes you wonder if nothing matters, your feelings are important and help you learn and grow.
Learning about ideas like absurdism and nihilism helps you see that life is full of different experiences. It teaches you that confusion and surprise are parts of life. By thinking about these ideas, you learn that it is okay if not every moment has a clear answer.
Every time you share a smile, help a friend, or even laugh at a silly mistake, you are creating meaning in your day. These actions show that even if some ideas claim nothing matters, you are the one who adds color and purpose to your life.
When you learn about the big questions of life, you begin to see that every part of your day, no matter how small, is important. It is like putting together a giant puzzle. Every piece, every moment, makes the final picture whole and beautiful.
Sometimes, thinking about big ideas can make you feel heavy or overwhelmed. It is very important to be kind to yourself, especially on days when things seem confusing. Remember that every day is a chance for a fresh start. Your smile, your hugs, and your kind words can make a big difference in someone else’s day.
Your kindness shows that life has meaning, because you help create happy moments. When you see a friend who is upset, you offer a kind word or a comforting pat on the back. Such small actions remind you that even when the world feels puzzling, love and caring make life beautiful.
As you grow older, you will discover new ideas and see things in different ways. However, the most important thing is to keep looking ahead with a smile. Enjoy every moment, whether it is a sunny day at the park, a fun time in class, or a special moment with your family.
Every new day brings a chance to learn more about the world and about who you are. Even if big ideas like absurdism and nihilism make you stop and think, they also show you how precious each moment can be. Always remember that you are the one who fills your life with joy, love, and meaning.
• Absurdism: Sometimes life feels like a funny and confusing puzzle. Even when things do not go as planned, there can be moments of joy in the surprises of life.
• Nihilism: This idea suggests that nothing has a special or hidden meaning. It is like saying all the colors in your crayon box are just colors without a big message.
• Existentialism: This is about thinking who we are and what makes us happy. It encourages us to look at our feelings and our actions every day.
• Everyday Life: Your life is filled with small moments—playing, laughing, learning, and even feeling confused. These moments are important because they build the big picture of who you are.
• Finding Meaning: Even if some ideas suggest that nothing has a special purpose, you can create meaning through simple joys like a smile, a kind word, or a fun game with friends.
• Being Kind: Showing kindness to yourself and others makes the world a better place. Every act of care adds meaning to life.
• The Journey: Life is like a beautiful garden or a big puzzle. Every day, even when it feels confusing, is a chance to learn, explore, and grow. Your experiences and feelings make your own special story.
Remember, even when life seems puzzling or silly, you have the power to find happiness in the little moments. Your feelings matter, and every day you create your own meaning by sharing love and kindness with the world.
