Meaninglessness
- Aimlessness
- Futility
- Inanity
- Insignificance
- Nullity
- Purposelessness
- Rubbish
- Senselessness
- Pointlessness
- Dependence on meaninglessness
- Lack of purpose
- Lack of ambition
Nature
There is a general sense of lack of meaning and purpose which dominates literature, art and philosophy. There is a feeling that the certainties provided by religion have been lost and can never be replaced. Science by solving our practical problems only makes this inner void more painfully obvious. Inevitably those who are most aware of this sense of meaninglessness feel alienated from society but although they respond to negative stimuli (pain, inconvenience and loss of freedom), freedom from these stimuli reveals their lack of purpose and incapacity for freedom.
Background
The problem brought into existence the philosophy of existentialism which only confirmed the dimensions of the problem.
Incidence
In 2022, Japan experienced a notable increase in cases of "hikikomori," a condition where individuals withdraw from society due to feelings of meaninglessness and alienation. Government reports estimated over one million people, primarily young adults, were affected, prompting national concern and policy responses.
Claim
Nothing matters very much, and very few things matter at all.
Counter-claim
Narrower
Aggravates
Aggravated by
Reduced by
Related
Strategy
Value
Reference
SDG
