Desolationism
Desolationism is a form of Existential philosophy that postulates that there is always a deeper state of misery that can be achieved in life; that the “bottom of the barrel” is, in fact, not even close to the bottom; that the suffering individual can always fall further into anguish and despair. A state of happiness can then be gained due to “something worse” not yet having occurred to the hapless individual.
Desolationism works on Existential theory; that is, man's “existence” proceeds his “essence”. A man begins life with no set purpose or destiny, and through his interactions with the world assembles an identity and destiny for himself. His existence is more fundamental than any concept of definition for humanity: humans create their own reality.
This freedom creates a double-edged sword. Everyone is free to derive and apply their own meanings to their life and reality, but they also must take responsibility for their own actions, for good or ill. People tend to turn back to theism due to the realization, and consequent fear, of this responsibility. Those that have neither the patience or belief in God tend to develop a paralyzing “Existential Angst”: they are overcome by the fear and inherent pointlessness of life.
The Desolationist responds to this crisis by recognizing that while things may or may not get better, they can always get worse. Because they have not, in that moment, gotten worse, the moment remains pure and the Desolationist finds himself in a state of happy relief.
Consider the situation of a man standing on a street corner having just witnessed a terrible auto accident. The average man will begin inventing clever rationalizations to combat the growing horror within himself after having been party to one of the darker examples of the limitless possibilities of existence. This is a common trap, as any attempt to impose rational order upon a decidedly irrational universe tends to backfire upon the individual in the long run. The Desolationist just accepts the inherent meaningless of existence and is happy a flaming tire from the twisted conflagration of automobiles didn't fly out and hit him in the face.
Desolationism, like Existentialism, rejects reason as the primary source of meaning in life. People make decisions based on what holds meaning for them, rather that what they believe is rational. While common Existentialist thought tends to express the freedom gained from reason and meaning by focusing on the fear and anxiety produced by the knowledge of one's own impending death, Desolationist thought appeals to the individual to do just the opposite: “Be happy while the sun is shining, for any moment could bring rain.” Desolationism still promotes an intense awareness of the meaningless absurdity that is the universe, but does not peck at it constantly like a murder of hungry crows over a dead beaver.
In this respect the Desolationist seeks a “perfectly irrational optimism”. He will hurry from a burning building, decidedly happy when he finds out the street outside is not on fire; he will smile in the face of death because it brings an end to his suffering, whether by oblivion or Elysium. His strength is the quiet assurance that tomorrow will always follow today, no less as varied and virulent with possibilities.
In conclusion, humanity continues to engage in a titanic struggle to shine the light of reason into the endless shadows of irrationality. The Rationalist cheers them on, certain in his heart of the inherent order within the universe. The Existentialist scoffs at such a display, also certain in his heart that not only is the universe completely irrational, but so is the mind of man. The Desolationist buys popcorn and enjoys the show.
Desolationism works on Existential theory; that is, man's “existence” proceeds his “essence”. A man begins life with no set purpose or destiny, and through his interactions with the world assembles an identity and destiny for himself. His existence is more fundamental than any concept of definition for humanity: humans create their own reality.
This freedom creates a double-edged sword. Everyone is free to derive and apply their own meanings to their life and reality, but they also must take responsibility for their own actions, for good or ill. People tend to turn back to theism due to the realization, and consequent fear, of this responsibility. Those that have neither the patience or belief in God tend to develop a paralyzing “Existential Angst”: they are overcome by the fear and inherent pointlessness of life.
The Desolationist responds to this crisis by recognizing that while things may or may not get better, they can always get worse. Because they have not, in that moment, gotten worse, the moment remains pure and the Desolationist finds himself in a state of happy relief.
Consider the situation of a man standing on a street corner having just witnessed a terrible auto accident. The average man will begin inventing clever rationalizations to combat the growing horror within himself after having been party to one of the darker examples of the limitless possibilities of existence. This is a common trap, as any attempt to impose rational order upon a decidedly irrational universe tends to backfire upon the individual in the long run. The Desolationist just accepts the inherent meaningless of existence and is happy a flaming tire from the twisted conflagration of automobiles didn't fly out and hit him in the face.
Desolationism, like Existentialism, rejects reason as the primary source of meaning in life. People make decisions based on what holds meaning for them, rather that what they believe is rational. While common Existentialist thought tends to express the freedom gained from reason and meaning by focusing on the fear and anxiety produced by the knowledge of one's own impending death, Desolationist thought appeals to the individual to do just the opposite: “Be happy while the sun is shining, for any moment could bring rain.” Desolationism still promotes an intense awareness of the meaningless absurdity that is the universe, but does not peck at it constantly like a murder of hungry crows over a dead beaver.
In this respect the Desolationist seeks a “perfectly irrational optimism”. He will hurry from a burning building, decidedly happy when he finds out the street outside is not on fire; he will smile in the face of death because it brings an end to his suffering, whether by oblivion or Elysium. His strength is the quiet assurance that tomorrow will always follow today, no less as varied and virulent with possibilities.
In conclusion, humanity continues to engage in a titanic struggle to shine the light of reason into the endless shadows of irrationality. The Rationalist cheers them on, certain in his heart of the inherent order within the universe. The Existentialist scoffs at such a display, also certain in his heart that not only is the universe completely irrational, but so is the mind of man. The Desolationist buys popcorn and enjoys the show.