 **1. Introduction.** Ernst Junger deals with the theme of nihilism in his essay *Across The Line.* **Junger argues that nihilism is not necessarily a bad thing, but that it presents a unique philosophical challenge for us.** More 👇

**2. For Junger, nihilism means alienation from higher values that have till now guided one's life**. This can be "a sign of the weakness" but also of strength. Nihilism is an opportunity to create new values - this can make "one paralyzed, another livelier."

**3. One can still maintain superiority over an invincible foe by setting against him a superior set of values - or inner fortitude**. When one has nothing to set against the "cruelty of the enemy," then true terror sets in.

**4. The optimistic mood is above "the authority of facts" - as it can "create facts." Defeatism takes reality as it is, but optimism recognizes the malleability of reality.**

**5. Nihilism can be powerful in the short-term**. But in the long-term, nihilism defeats itself. Nihilism has a "self-reductive" nature - perpetual doubt cannot sustain itself.

**6. Nihilism also eats away at the human ability to wonder and to feel awe.** The source of all scientific investigation is precisely this wonder, and so nihilism is corrosive for the scientific enterprise too.

**7.** Another sign of nihilism: "The growing tendency toward specialization, toward separateness and passing over into isolation." In a nihilistic world, the ability to formulate coherent worldviews is lost. **There are a lot of "derivative ideas" but nothing connecting them.**

**8.** The death of God leads to a multiple contesting divinities and exploding sects: Junger writes that with "**the dethroning of the highest values, it now becomes possible for each and every thing to be illuminated and given meaning in a cult."**

**9. Nihilism as a phase.** Nihilism doesn't have to be an end - it can be a healthy phase in a "comprehensive spiritual progress." It is something that we "can leave behind and be done with, or perhaps even overgrow, like a scab."

**10. Bottom line.** Junger argues that "now we are in virgin territory." Religion no longer provides a reliable metaphysical map of the world. Science and politics are insufficient replacements. The great task now is to create value systems on our own.

Enjoyed this? You'll love my other Junger pieces:

1. [Why you should run towards pain](https://memod.com/jashdholani/why-you-should-run-towards-pain-3706)
2. [The oldest dispute of all time: Dogs or Cats?](https://memod.com/jashdholani/the-oldest-dispute-of-all-time-dogs-or-cats-3705)