Political Nihilism |
Red Horse aligns with the philosophy of political nihilism. This is the belief that a form of government is not necessary. Political nihilists do not want a government in their lives thus making them anarchist. Many political nihilists are also known as libertarians. Although libertarians are in support of less government, most of them still think that at least some government is required. This would make it so that they are not complete political nihilists. Without government in the world, it would be chaos.
In the book of Grendel, the idea of political nihilism only shows up in chapter 8. This is the only chapter where Red Horse plays an important role in demonstrating the belief of political nihilism. "To step out of the region of legality requires an extraordinary push of circumstance." (Gardner, 117). In this quote, Red Horse is saying that it is not easy to accomplish anarchy. Stepping out of the region of following law is very tough. Therefore becoming a political nihilist is tough as you are going against social norms.
Works Cited
By a Revolution, the Society [tovarishchestvo] Does Not Mean an Orderly Revolt According to the Classic Western Model -- a Revolt Which Always Stops Short of Attacking the Rights of Property and the Traditional Social Systems of So-called Civilization and. "Are Anarchism and Political Nihilism the Same?" Are Anarchism and Political Nihilism the Same? N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2016.
"Nihilism." AllAboutPhilosophy.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2016.
"Nihilism." AllAboutPhilosophy.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2016.