Nothing Is True Everything Is Permitted: 6 Ways To Understand

This statement makes us rethink what we know about reality and morality. In this post, we’ll look at what “Nothing is true, everything is permitted” really means, share some quotes that capture its essence, and discuss six practical ways to understand and apply this idea in our lives. Whether you’re curious about philosophy or just enjoy thought-provoking ideas, join us as we explore the fascinating world of this intriguing phrase.

Who Said Nothing Is True Everything Is Permitted

This phrase originates from the novel “Hassan-i Sabbāh” by Vladimir Bartol, published in 1938. In the book, it’s link with the Persian philosopher Hassan-i Sabbah, though historical evidence on this link remains uncertain. The phrase gained more fame through its adoption in the ‘Assassin’s Creed’ video game series, where it’s a core belief of the Assassin Order’s ideology.

What Does Nothing Is True Everything Is Permitted Mean?

Actually, this phrase means there are no set truths or rules. It encourages questioning, independence, and thinking for yourself. In “Assassin’s Creed,” it’s about making your own choices and being responsible for them. It’s a message about empowerment and freedom, telling us to find our own way in a world full of unknowns.

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6 Best Ways to Understand ‘Nothing is True, Everything is Permitted’

You can see this phrase in several different ways. Here are six simple interpretations that show its depth and complexity.

1) Moral Relativism

Moral relativism basically says that what’s right or wrong isn’t set in stone. It depends on who you ask or the culture you’re in. So, if there’s no one truth, then anything could be okay because everyone has their own version of what’s true.

Key Concepts of Moral Relativism:

1. Cultural Relativism: This means what you consider right or wrong can vary between cultures. Like, what’s totally fine in one place might be seen as bad somewhere else.
2. Subjective Relativism: This is more personal. It says what’s right for you might not be right for someone else. So, it’s all about individual perspectives.
3. No Universal Moral Truths: Moral relativists think there’s no one-size-fits-all rule for what’s right or wrong. It’s more about what each group or person believes.

‘Nothing is True, Everything is Permitted’:

This phrase means if there’s no single truth, then everything could be allowed. It’s like saying, without a set of rules everyone agrees on, people can do whatever they want because they all have their own ideas of what’s true or right.

Implications:

1. Tolerance and Pluralism: Moral relativism encourages accepting different cultures and beliefs. Because if everyone’s truth is different, then we should respect those differences.
2. Moral Disagreement: But it can be hard to agree on what’s right or wrong if everyone has their own truth. This can lead to conflicts over morals.
3. Ethical Flexibility: Without a fixed moral truth, people might be more open to changing their moral views based on new ideas or situations. But this could also make things less stable.

2) Nihilism

Nihilism is like saying life doesn’t have any built-in meaning or value. If nothing really matters, then rules and norms don’t really matter either, so anything goes.

Key Concepts of Nihilism:

1. Existential Nihilism: This says life doesn’t have any purpose. We’re just here by chance, and nothing we do really matters in the grand scheme.
2. Moral Nihilism: It’s the idea that there’s no such thing as absolute right or wrong. Morals are just plain joyful, so they don’t have any real meaning.
3. Epistemological Nihilism: This is about knowledge. It says we can’t really know anything for sure, so there’s no absolute truth.

‘Nothing is True, Everything is Permitted’:

From a nihilistic point of view, this phrase means that since nothing has any real meaning, there’s no reason to follow any rules. If there’s no ultimate truth, then there’s nothing stopping anyone from doing whatever they want.

Implications:

1. Freedom and Liberation: Some people see nihilism as freeing. If nothing matters, then you’re free to make your own meaning in life.
2. Despair and Absurdity: But for others, nihilism can lead to feeling hopeless or lost. If nothing matters, then what’s the point of anything?
3. Rejection of Authority: Nihilism can lead to questioning authority and tradition since they’re based on made-up ideas of right and wrong.
4. Constructed Values: Some philosophers argue that even though life might not have any inherent meaning, we can still create our own values and purposes.

3) Existential Freedom

Existential freedom is about having the power to make your own choices and find your own meaning in life. When there are no set truths or values, it’s up to you to decide what’s important and what rules to follow. This means you can pretty much do anything, but it also means you’re fully responsible for your decisions.

Key Concepts of Existential Freedom:

1. Individual Autonomy: This means you’re in charge of your own life. You get to decide what’s meaningful and what direction you want to take.
2. No Set Meaning: Existentialists believe that life doesn’t come with a built-in purpose. Instead, you have to figure out what matters to you.
3. Taking Responsibility: With freedom comes responsibility. You have to own up to the choices you make because you’re the one calling the shots.

‘Nothing is True, Everything is Permitted’:

In simple terms, this phrase suggests that if there are no fixed truths, then you’re free to do whatever you want. But it also means you have to face the consequences of your actions.

Implications:

1. Feeling Empowered: Existential freedom can make you feel powerful because you’re the one shaping your own life.
2. Dealing with Uncertainty: Sometimes, all that freedom can be overwhelming. It’s up to you to figure out what’s right and wrong.
3. Ethical Dilemmas: When there are no clear rules, you might have to make tough decisions about what’s the right thing to do.

So, existential freedom says that since “nothing is true” in terms of it’s meanings or values, you’re free to make your own choices, even if it means “everything is permitted.”

4) Psychological Insight

From a psychological perspective, this phrase is all about how our beliefs shape our view of the world. If we understand that the truths we believe are shaping up in our minds, then changing what we believe can change how we see things. This means the limits we think exist might not actually be real, and we have the power to change how we think and act.

Key Concepts of Psychological Insight:

1. Beliefs Matter: What we believe influences how we perceive and react to the world around us. Our beliefs can be pretty influential without us even realizing it.
2. Changing Beliefs: It’s possible to change our beliefs, and doing so can change how we feel and behave. By changing what we believe, we can change our reality.
3. Perception Shapes Reality: Our minds filter information based on our beliefs. This means two people can see the same thing but interpret it differently based on what they believe.

‘Nothing is True, Everything is Permitted’:

This phrase suggests that if truths are just things we make up in our heads, then we have the power to change them. If we can change what we believe, then we can change how we see the world and what we think is possible.

Implications:

1. Feeling Empowered: Knowing that our beliefs shape our reality can make us feel more in control of our lives. We’re not just captive with how things are; we can change them.
2. Facing Challenges: But sometimes, it’s hard to change what we believe, especially if those beliefs are deeply Indelible. It takes effort and sometimes help from others.
3. Seeing Opportunities: Understanding that our beliefs aren’t fixed in stone opens up possibilities for growth and change. We’re not in limititation, by what we believe; we can always learn and grow.

5) Political Subversion

“Nothing is True, Everything is Permitted” can be seen as a call to shake up the political status quo. It’s about challenging the truths that those in power use to control us. By rejecting these truths, we open the door to new ways of thinking and acting, where traditional rules and norms don’t hold us back.

Key Concepts of Political Subversion:

1. Questioning Authority: This means not just accepting what those in charge tell us. It’s about asking tough questions and challenging the legitimacy of the people in power.
2. Critiquing Ideologies: Political subversion involves taking a closer look at the ideas that keep the powerful in power. By illustrating that these notions are fabrications, we can inspire new ways of thinking and acting.
3. Empowering Change: Subversion isn’t just about causing trouble. It’s also about empowering ourselves to make positive changes in society by challenging the truths pushed by those with power.

‘Nothing is True, Everything is Permitted’:

In political subversion, this phrase is like saying, “Hey, those rules you’re following? They’re not inflexible.” It’s about breaking free from the constraints of traditional authority and exploring new possibilities for change.

Implications:

1. Potential for Change: By rejecting the truths enforced by authority, we open up space for new ideas and movements that can lead to positive social and political change.
2. Disrupting the Status Quo: Political subversion shakes things up by challenging the stories that keep those in power in control. This can help us see the secret ways that power works and give a voice to those who are usually not getting this point.
3. Risk of Chaos: But while questioning authority can lead to positive change, it can also create chaos if not done carefully. Without a clear plan for what comes next, subversion can make things worse instead of better.

Spiritual Enlightenment to Understand ‘Nothing is True, Everything is Permitted’

From a spiritual point of view, this idea suggests reaching a deeper understanding where the usual ideas of true and false, right and wrong, don’t matter anymore. It’s about feeling a sense of freedom and connection beyond the ordinary limits.

Key Concepts of Spiritual Enlightenment:

1. Going Beyond Dualities: Spiritual enlightenment means moving past the idea of opposites like good and bad or true and false to see a bigger picture.
2. Feeling Oneness: It’s about feeling connected to everything around us, realizing that we’re all part of the same big story.
3. Freedom from Illusions: When we reach enlightenment, we’re free from the illusions of our egos and the stories society tells us about who we are. We see things clearly and without judgment.

‘Nothing is True, Everything is Permitted’:

In spiritual terms, this phrase means breaking free from the limits of what we think is true or right. It’s about experiencing a sense of freedom and openness that lets us explore new ideas and ways of being.

Implications:

1. Breaking Free from Beliefs: Spiritual enlightenment helps us let go of the beliefs that hold us back, opening us up to new possibilities and experiences.
2. Feeling Connected: By seeing that everything is in connection, we feel a sense of unity and love for all beings.
3. Acting with Compassion: Even though we’re free to do anything, we act with compassion and kindness toward others because we see that we’re all part of the same beautiful story.

Each of these interpretations offers a different angle on the phrase, showing how it can provoke thought and discussion in various areas of life.

Six Practical Ways to Apply This Idea In Your Life

1. Question Assumptions:
   • Challenge Accepted Truths: Don’t accept things as they are. So ask questions and think critically.
   • Seek Different Views: Look at things from different angles. Learn from others with different opinions.
   • Reflect on Your Beliefs: Think about your beliefs and why you hold them. This helps you understand yourself better.
2. Embrace Creativity:
   • Think Outside the Box: Try new and unusual ideas. Innovation often comes from thinking differently.
   • Experiment and Have Fun: Try new activities and hobbies. Because being playful can lead to creative breakthroughs.
   • Express Yourself: Find ways to express your unique ideas through art, writing, or other forms.
3. Live Authentically:
   • Know Your Values: Identify what’s important to you and let those values guide your choices.
   • Be True to Yourself: Make decisions based on what you truly want, not just what others expect.
   • Celebrate Individuality: Embrace what makes you unique for a more fulfilling life.
4. Accept Uncertainty:
   • Embrace the Unknown: Accept that not everything can be known or controlled. Because this can reduce anxiety.
   • Be Adaptable: Stay flexible and open to change to handle life’s surprises.
   • See Potential in Uncertainty: Look at the unknown as a chance for new opportunities and growth.
5. Practice Open-Mindedness:
   • Listen to Understand: Really listen to others’ viewpoints to build empathy and connections.
   • Explore New Ideas: Be open to ideas that differ from your own to expand your understanding.
   • Welcome Change: Be willing to change your mind when presented with new evidence.
6. Take Responsibility:
   • Think About Consequences: Consider how your actions affect you and others before acting.
   • Act Ethically: Make choices that are good for both you and those around you.
   • Own Your Actions: Accept responsibility for your mistakes and learn from them to build integrity.

Nothing Is True Everything Is Permitted Quotes

• “The only real prison is fear, and the only real freedom is freedom from fear.” – Aung San Suu Kyi
• “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Will Durant (quoting Aristotle)
• “Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” – Albert Einstein
• “The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” – Albert Camus
• “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is in limit, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.” – Albert Einstein
• “There are no facts, only interpretations.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
• “Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.” – Mahatma Gandhi
• “The truth is rarely pure and never simple.” – Oscar Wilde
• “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker
• “The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.” – Horace Walpole

Thus these quotes are all about staying curious, thinking creatively, and being aware of how our actions affect others. Because it tells us that there’s more to truth than meets the eye and encourages us to think for ourselves.

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