“The worker becomes all the poorer, the more wealth he produces, the more his production increases in power and range. The worker becomes an ever cheaper commodity the more commodities he creates. The devaluation of the human world increases in direct relation to the increase in value of the world of things. Labour produces not only commodities; it produces itself and the worker as a commodity—and does so in the proportion in which it produces commodities generally.”
The quote above, by Karl Marx in “Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844,” a precursor to “Das Kapital”, highlights the paradox of labour under capitalism, where increased productivity and wealth result in greater alienation and impoverishment for the worker. Marx described four forms of alienation that occur under capitalism, viz. alienation from the product of labour, from the process of labour, from others, and from Self.
It has been argued by Marxist thinkers that capitalism, particularly in its most advanced stages, can lead to social and economic conditions that make fascism more likely to arise. Yet, what understanding must humankind embrace about life itself, that would make for the ideal conditions that enable a robust era of fascism?
Nihilism is the philosophical belief that life is meaningless, rejecting all religious and moral principles. When discussing the idea that the Western world is dominated by nihilism, several factors come into play:
1. Historical Context:
- Philosophical Roots: Western nihilism has deep philosophical roots, influenced by thinkers like Friedrich Nietzsche, who declared “God is dead,” highlighting the decline of traditional values and the rise of existential uncertainty.
- Post-War Disillusionment: After the world wars, widespread disillusionment with traditional values and institutions contributed to a nihilistic outlook in the West.
2. Cultural Factors:
- Materialism: The emphasis on material success and consumerism in Western societies can lead to a sense of emptiness and lack of purpose beyond acquiring possessions.
- Individualism: The focus on individual achievement and self-reliance can sometimes result in feelings of isolation and meaninglessness.
3. Technological Impact:
- Digital Age: The rapid advancement of technology and the internet has changed how people interact, leading to questions about the authenticity and depth of human connections.
- Information Overload: The constant bombardment of information can create a sense of disorientation and skepticism about the meaning and value of knowledge itself.
4. Societal Changes:
- Secularization: The decline of religious influence in many Western societies has left a vacuum where traditional sources of meaning and community once thrived.
- Questioning Authority: Growing mistrust in political, social, and religious institutions has led people to question established narratives and beliefs.
5. Cultural Expression:
- Art and Media: Modern art, literature, and media often reflect nihilistic themes, exploring the absurdity and seeming futility of human existence.
6. Existential Questions:
- Search for Meaning: In a world where old certainties have been eroded, people may struggle to find new sources of meaning and purpose.
Thus, the western world view has become generally dominated by nihilist ideas. As capitalism rapidly reaches its terminal stages of collapse, these factors contribute to a broader cultural and philosophical trend — some may argue these ideas have taken root as a type of orthodoxy within a totalitarian political trend. One can observe the impact of nihilism on psychological health and social (dis)order.
There remain some people that find meaning through various avenues such as personal relationships, creativity, activism, and spirituality.
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