The Self-Overcoming of Nihilism

The Self-Overcoming of Nihilism examines the problem of nihilism through the lens of Western philosophical traditions and Buddhism. Nishitani traces nihilism's development from its European roots through key thinkers including Nietzsche, Hegel, and Heidegger. The book moves through distinct phases of nihilistic thought, from religious and philosophical perspectives to modern manifestations. Nishitani draws connections between European philosophy and Eastern religious concepts, particularly Zen Buddhism's approach to emptiness and nothingness. The analysis includes detailed explorations of nihilism in relation to science, morality, and the human condition across different cultural contexts. Nishitani's work represents a bridge between Eastern and Western approaches to fundamental questions of meaning and existence. This philosophical investigation speaks to core issues of meaning, religious faith, and the nature of reality itself. The text puts forward possibilities for moving beyond nihilism through a synthesis of Eastern and Western thought.

Readers note this book offers a detailed examination of nihilism through both Western and Eastern philosophical perspectives, with particular focus on Nietzsche's thought. Liked: - Clear explanations of complex philosophical concepts - Thorough analysis of nihilism's development in European philosophy - Unique integration of Buddhist and Western viewpoints - Strong translations with helpful footnotes One reader called it "the most lucid treatment of nihilism I've encountered" Disliked: - Dense academic writing style - Assumes prior knowledge of philosophy - Some sections need multiple readings to grasp - Limited discussion of practical applications A reviewer noted "the text can be impenetrable without philosophy background" Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (12 ratings) The book has few online reviews due to its academic nature, but philosophy forums and academic circles frequently reference it in discussions of nihilism and comparative philosophy.

Being and Nothingness by Jean-Paul Sartre A phenomenological examination of consciousness, negation, and human freedom that explores existential themes parallel to Nishitani's treatment of nihilism.

The Kyoto School: An Introduction by Robert E. Carter This text examines the philosophical movement that Nishitani belonged to and their engagement with Western philosophy and Buddhist thought.

Introduction to Zen Buddhism by D.T. Suzuki The text investigates the foundations of Zen Buddhist philosophy that influenced Nishitani's approach to overcoming nihilism.

Nietzsche and Buddhist Philosophy by Antoine Panaïoti A comparative study that bridges Nietzsche's ideas on nihilism with Buddhist philosophical perspectives, both central to Nishitani's work.

The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way by Nagarjuna (translated by Jay Garfield) This classical Buddhist philosophical text presents the concept of emptiness that Nishitani uses to address the problem of nihilism.

★ Keiji Nishitani, while primarily known as a Buddhist philosopher, was deeply influenced by German philosophy and spent two years studying under Martin Heidegger in Freiburg during the 1930s. ✦ The book explores nihilism not just as a philosophical concept, but as a lived historical experience of the modern world, drawing parallels between European and Japanese encounters with meaninglessness. ★ Nishitani wrote this work in 1949, shortly after World War II, when Japan was experiencing a profound crisis of meaning and identity following its defeat. ✦ The text uniquely combines Western philosophical traditions (particularly Nietzsche's thought) with Zen Buddhist concepts to propose solutions to the challenge of nihilism. ★ Rather than viewing nihilism as merely destructive, Nishitani suggests that confronting absolute nothingness can lead to a deeper understanding of reality and a more authentic way of being—a process he calls "absolute nothingness" (zettai mu).