The Sunny Nihilist: How a meaningless life can make you truly happy

Description

Nihilism is making a comeback, and for younger generations the idea that existence is meaningless is cause for celebration, not despair. Written directly for burnt-out Millennials disillusioned with the search for meaning through career success, a beautiful life and a beautiful Instagram account, The Sunny Nihilist explains why achievement has not made us happy. Looking anew at a philosophy usually associated with grumpy pessimists, writer Wendy Syfret examines how meaning pervades our modern experience of work, love, religion and wider society, and asks whether a touch of upbeat nihilism could actually lighten our loads. Making the case for rejecting the cult of purpose and accepting our un-importance in the universe as a positive reality, The Sunny Nihilist urges us to be cheerful in the face of it - because if nothing matters, we might as well be happy and good to each other. In an era defined by stress and selfishness, self-care, and obsessive individuality, emptiness can offer absolution.

Wendy Syfret is an award-winning Melbourne based journalist, who has contributed to publications including the Guardian, Vice and Man Repeller. Her previous roles include Managing Editor of Vice Asia, Head of Editorial for Vice Australia and Australia Editor for i-D Magazine.