Gianni Zucchet
19 October 2022
Keep the Knife in
A good read of Nietzsche’s On Truth and Lie in an Extramoral Sense is akin to stabbing yourself with a knife, questioning whether you should yank the knife out and bleed to death, or live with the realization that every choice you have made, and are yet to make, is arbitrary, and ultimately insignificant. Nietzsche compares humans to gnats, we’re small creatures that can be squashed at an instant, buzzing around with no purpose, effecting nothing upon the cosmos. It is troubling to think of life through this lens, and upon further consideration, the only remedy to existentialism lies in the present experience, given that the ending to humanity has been spoiled. Though it may be, especially for the atheist, a life in which no ultimate purpose is fulfilled, it does not mean that it lacks value. Humanity derives value from experiences which stimulate the senses and exercise the brain, as well as from the creation of things which evoke this phenomenon upon others. Thus, if the faith for life purpose is void, then, to live a rich life, one must maximize the amount of value gained through sensory and intellectual enlightenment (e.g. art appreciation).
Nietzsche is right in saying that humans are comparable to gnats, because, in the finality of the universe, neither species will leave a noticeable trace of their existence. And yet, the level of consciousness that separates us from gnats is insurmountable; why do I consider the words that I use to write? Why do I yearn for the possibility that a reader will be truly impacted by what I say? Why do I care, and worry, that a reader may not be able to understand me, or empathize with me? I have yet to meet a gnat that cares as much as I do. Unlike gnats, humanity is equipped with introspection, self-reflection, as well as the ability to enhance said skills. Namely, it is the ability of interpretation which allows us to find truth and happiness in an otherwise arbitrary and purposeless existence.
Aesthetic experiences are enough reason to keep the knife in, the eye opening moment when you discover a new musician whose compositions move you in an indescribable manner, the film that shocks you and makes you reconsider your ethical values, the sublime mountainous scenery you observe while driving to the north. There may not be a divine purpose in the feeling we derive from these experiences, but there is certainly a subjective value in them. Enough value to continue searching for more of these moments, and perhaps sharing them with others. The tools for positive aesthetic experiences are at our disposal, it’s as simple as paying more attention to the world which surrounds us. Modernity is overflowing with artistic content both in nature and in creation by others. By mode of transportation and with an open mind, it’s nearly impossible to not have a thought provoking instance or object by way of sight, whilst having moved only one mile.
Art and life simultaneously reflect each other, as a means to perfect the world, and find truth. There is art in life, as there is life in art, thus, as we find ourselves connecting with art, we are imbued with an appreciation for life itself; then, suddenly, we don’t care about being stabbed, because we are immersed and engrossed in truth. What is the necessity to justify our existence if not an excuse that prevents us from doing that which we desire, it is the locking up of our potential behind the bars of purpose and meaning, before it even has a chance to blossom. Acknowledge existentialism, then turn around, and continue living as if purpose itself is irrelevant, otherwise you will be suggesting yourself to rip the knife out at every inopportune moment and preventing yourself from taking in the truly meaningful nature of your subjective experience.
To live a rich life or die quickly, withstand the knife of existentiality or give in to despair. The aesthetic experience is overlooked in modern society, it has the potential to have a genuine impact on its subject, so long as the subject is attuned to the right wavelength. Use your tools, be introspective, be meditative on your experiences, and self-reflect often to see the film of your existence. Don’t excuse yourself away from enriching your experience by invoking existentialism, as it is not meant to be a ball and chain, but rather, a call to action. Feel the adrenaline surge through your body as you’re stabbed by existentialism, and then do your best to make the pain worth it; it is through the relativity of the pain in life, that you are able to see how significant even the most “meaningless” experiences are. So, if there is no specific reason to account for you being alive, and no afterlife, are you doing enough, seeing enough, experiencing enough, to die with fewer regrets tomorrow? Because this is it.