What would it mean to overcome nihilism? Usually, this question is answered in an optimistic way, with the suggestion that in overcoming nihilism, we would accomplish something ulti-mately positive, productive and beneficial. If nihilism consists in the alienation of human existence from Truth and Being, then in its overcoming, we would find ourselves finally reconciled with that which is of the highest value and meaning. Human life would reach its supreme goal, our purpose for being here would become clear, and our place in the universe would no longer be a mystery. For these sorts of reasons, it has been taken as self-evident by many that overcoming nihilism is one of the greatest goods toward which human-kind should work. If we could mend the rift between our real, finite existence and our highest aspirations once and for all, then we would truly be happy and fulfilled.

Indeed, throughout history this has been the aim pursued by those who have endeavoured to construct religious and scientific systems with which we might come to know the Truth. In religion, we find techniques and systems of worship that are intended to yoke followers together with the Holy, allow-ing them to experience the at-one-ment that comes from uniting with that which is ultimately True, valuable and meaningful. In science, likewise, we find techniques and systems of investigation focused on formulating testable hypotheses that might then guide us closer and closer to an understanding of True reality, thus releasing us from falsehood and superstition. In both of these traditions, different as they might otherwise be, the emphasis is on the endpoint. The goal pursued is final and objective certitude. To know the Truth is the highest good, and once this is grasped it is promised that we might rest content and glory in our success.

But is the attainment of our ultimate goals really an unequivocal good? On the face of it, this question might appear strange or even perverse. After all, isn't the motivation behind the pursuit of any goal the hope for its ultimate and successful attainment? The alternative would be failure, and failure strikes us as a self-evident evil. No one can be happy as a failure.