Which belief system asserts that life has no inherent meaning and existence is a perpetual power struggle?

Which belief system asserts that life has no inherent meaning and existence is a perpetual power struggle?

• A. Realists
• B. Humanists
• C. Nihilists
• D. Stoics

Answer: (C)

Nihilism centers on the idea that life has no inherent meaning, purpose, or objective values. When meaning isn’t given by nature, God, or any universal standard, people often notice that social and personal life can feel like a struggle over power, resources, and influence rather than over any fixed truth or moral order. This view treats many traditional sources of meaning as human-made constructs, which can leave existence to be defined by dynamic, competitive forces rather than by any intrinsic purpose. Realists focus on how people and states behave in the world, emphasizing power dynamics and practical outcomes, but they don’t claim that life itself lacks meaning. Humanists build meaning through human potential, creativity, and ethical progress. Stoics pursue a life of virtue and align themselves with the natural order to find steady, internal meaning. So the description of life as having no inherent meaning and being a perpetual power struggle aligns most closely with nihilism.

Nihilism centers on the idea that life has no inherent meaning, purpose, or objective values. When meaning isn’t given by nature, God, or any universal standard, people often notice that social and personal life can feel like a struggle over power, resources, and influence rather than over any fixed truth or moral order. This view treats many traditional sources of meaning as human-made constructs, which can leave existence to be defined by dynamic, competitive forces rather than by any intrinsic purpose.

Realists focus on how people and states behave in the world, emphasizing power dynamics and practical outcomes, but they don’t claim that life itself lacks meaning. Humanists build meaning through human potential, creativity, and ethical progress. Stoics pursue a life of virtue and align themselves with the natural order to find steady, internal meaning. So the description of life as having no inherent meaning and being a perpetual power struggle aligns most closely with nihilism.