Russian Nihilism

Russian nihilism was a philosophical and cultural movement in 19th-century Russia that rejected traditional values, authority, and established social structures, emphasizing skepticism about meaning and moral absolutes. It challenged religious and moral beliefs, advocating for rationalism and individual autonomy. Nihilists believed that life lacked inherent purpose, prompting a focus on creating new values or living authentically in a world without predefined meaning. The movement influenced literature, notably through authors like Dostoevsky, and reflected broader questions about morality, progress, and social change during a turbulent period in Russian history.