Nihilist

Nihilism is the philosophical position that values do not exist but rather are falsely invented. Most commonly, nihilism is presented in the form of existential nihilism which argues that life[2] is without meaning, purpose or intrinsic value. Moral nihilists assert that morality does not exist, and subsequently there are no moral values with which to uphold a rule or to logically prefer one action over another. Nihilism can also take the form of epistemological, metaphysical or mereological nihilism.

The term nihilism is sometimes used synonymously with anomie to denote the general mood of despair at the pointlessness of existence that one has when they realize there are no necessary norms, rules, or laws.[3] Movements such as Futurism and deconstructionism,[4] among others, have been identified by commentators as "nihilistic" at various times in various contexts. Often this means or is meant to imply that the beliefs of the accuser are more substantial or truthful, whereas the beliefs of the accused are nihilistic, and thereby comparatively amount to nothing (or are simply claimed to be destructively amoralistic).

Nihilism is also a characteristic that has been ascribed to time periods: for example, Jean Baudrillard and others have called postmodernity a nihilistic epoch,[5] and some Christian theologians and figures of religious authority have asserted that postmodernity[6] and many aspects of modernity[4] represent a rejection of theism, and that such a rejection entails some form of nihilism.

Random

from Randomness Rules our Lives

If a woman has two children and one is a girl, what are the chances that the other child is also female? 50-50, right? But it’s not. The possibilities are girl-girl, girl-boy and boy-girl. So the chance that both children are girls is 33 percent. Once we are told that one child is female, this extra information constrains the odds.

in the Closet

Obama's victory is indeed a diversity milestone for US and for the world. My prediction is that a female President or Veep will be inducted in the US in my lifetime.

In the Philippines, we've already have 2 female presidents, which is great. What is not great is that I don't think there will ever be a non-Christian President or VP in my lifetime, or in children's liftime. FVR was the only non-catholic.

Why I like a lot of things about my country, I abhor marginalization based on religion. Many of socio-political problems in the country are due to religion. While women can enjoy equal opporunities in the government or even in the corporate world, there is unwritten discrimination against religion.

Case in point: would a succesful manager still be respected if the people realize that he is atheist?

In the Philippines, leadership presentations are delivered with generous reference to Jesus Christ. Something that would not be common in the US or Europe, or maybe even other countries in Asia. When John Maxwell, a pastor, speaks about many of his books, he would have a post-speaking session on his religious leadership principles.

Even the most professionally qualified and well-respected leader could lose his followers once people know that he is agnostic.

This is probably why I am still in the closet.