Laughing at Nothing
How to Respond to Nihilism?
Among so many paths to take and beliefs to choose from, there is a high probability for many of us to end the day drowning in the vast ocean of propositions and claimants to the “truth”. Only to start the next morning from scratch. It seems that implications of the socratic truth imperative have never been so bewildering before. It’s not at all surprising when the problem of nihilism arises full force in the face of existential, ethical, and political themes.
In attempt to dissolve the human paradox of desire and understanding, nihilism is usually considered to be a dead end. Surrendering to oblivion rarely solves the problem. Luckily, the book “Laughing at Nothing” by John Marmysz offers a viable solution.
“Sustainable” Nothingness
John Marmysz holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from State University of New York at Buffalo. His primary research interests focus on the issue of nihilism and its cultural manifestations. This exciting search for a proper response to nihilism started as a doctoral dissertation, to finally reach the particular structure and style that feels like poetry at times! Although it revolves around both mental and visceral tension rising out of nihilistic incongruencies, it never fails to deliver certain comfort with each and every chapter.
John Marmysz approaches the phenomenon of nihilism from the viewpoint of key figures in the history of philosophy, literature, and politics. His main argument is that burning frustration of nihilistic attitudes should not be numbed, but instead directed towards the activity and liveliness. In the first part of the book Marmysz carefully weaves the fiber of nihilistic incongruity, starting from its German and Russian origins, through Heidegger and Nietzsche, world-war and postwar nihilism. After dismantling various cultural misconceptions about fatalism of nihilistic “stuckness”, the second part of the book is dedicated to its’ natural and compatible response: jokes, comedy and humour.
Is there upon earth a more potent means than laughter to resist the mockeries of the world of fate?
Bonavenntura, Nachtwachen
“Laughing at Nothing” is an exciting story about a delicate dance on the tightrope of life’s discrepancies we somehow hold dear to resolve. Resolution is, of course unattainable but instead of filling the gap with affective despair, or even worse – falling to the other side to dismiss our highest hopes and ideals unworthy and irrational (in a post-nihilistic manner), the author suggests we adopt a humorous state of mind. Using a freudian term of sublimation, anxieties produced by the threats of unresolvable incongruity could better be used (sublimated) in a way to give power to the mental capacity for amusing oneself with shifting perspectives in consideration of the grander scheme of things. This is an extra hard but nevertheless rewarding way of successfully navigating that tightrope of life: never losing the strength and focus derived from our deepest aspirations (ie. falling to post-nihilism), but instead directing it towards open-mindedness and imagination. This form of “sustainable” nihilism as philosophy of uplift is quite opposed to stereotypical detriment that comes associated with the word nihilism (hopelessness, futility, violence etc.)
The Humorous Nihilist
By the seventh chapter, Marmysz successfully managed to unload the concept of nihilism from distaste and dismissiveness that often comes along with it, yet still keeping it controversial and thus worthy of reader’s attention.
In remaining dissatisfied and discontented with the world as it is, the nihilist retains a strange sort of rebellious, heroic and admirable dignity.
John Marmysz
There is perhaps a parallel to this duality in the practice of amor fati – loving what is. Transcending the pain by the act of transcending the object of love. Expanding love to whoever, whatever, whenever happens to be so the fountain of life never drains. Being versatile, being a wanderer, being a fool,… that is the way.
Marmysz thus conveys an important message of our time, invaluable to all outcasts, high-achievers and perfectionists out there: take a breather from the chase to maybe just notice – “Child’s play – the very thing to jest about!”
“Amor fati” is one of the ways in which nihilism should lose its importance…
John Marmysz gave a solution, but different characters will accept it differently. Some of them will live their black humor and for some humor will be therapy
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