The Sunny Nihilist
'Mindful nihilism is all about seeing yourself as an insignificant cog in the universe - and it works' Evening Standard
In an era defined by stress and selfishness, self-care, and obsessive individuality, emptiness can offer peace.
A balm for the soul of burnt-out Millennials - disillusioned with the search for meaning through career success, a beautiful life and a beautiful Instagram account - The Sunny Nihilist explains why achievement has not made us happy. Looking anew at a philosophy usually associated with grumpy pessimists, writer Wendy Syfret examines our modern experience of work, love, religion and wider society, and asks whether a touch of upbeat nihilism could actually lighten our loads.
Making the case for rejecting the cult of purpose and accepting our un-importance in the universe as a positive reality, The Sunny Nihilist urges us to be cheerful in the face of it - because if nothing matters, we might as well be happy and good to each other.
Nice Things
Nice Things is a zine collaboration with designer Ben Thomson. It was originally published for the National Gallery of Victoria’s 2020 Art Book Fair, and has since been added to the National Library of Australia’s catalogue. It’s available to order here. Profits from sales go to Foodbank Australia.
Nice Things: Vol 2
For the second edition on Nice Things I collaborated with celebrated artist Alice Oehr to once again celebrate the small moments that brought us joy across a difficult, COVID-defined, year. My words are accompanied by illustrations Alice took from her own personal visual diary.
Nice Things: Vol 2 is available to order here. All profits from sales go to Seed; a movement of Aboriginal & Torres Straight Islander young people for climate justice.
