Quiz 1

1. What is nihilism? Is it correct to say that it is the belief in nothing?
It is correct to say that nihilism is essentially the belief in nothing. According to nihilistic opinions life is without meaning and purpose. Nietzsche characterizes it as emptying the world and especially human existence of meaning and purpose, derived from his perception that knowledge is always bounded by human perception and never unbiased. 


2. What are the differences between Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian values according to Nietzsche? Which values does he believe are better for living a full and healthy life and why?
The modern man expresses "hostility"  for those willing to impose rank and dare to strive for greatness. This is inherited from Judeo-Christian moral systems. Nietzsche viewed the Greco-Roman value system as a hope against a meaningless system. He thus believed that the Greco-Roman system was better for living  a full and healthy life having brought forth productive human beings, due to a supportive culture, who proved individual merit, but did not try to outstrip each other.


3. Why is Dada art so pessimistic and bizzare? What groups in Germany society where Dada artists trying to discredit and undermine?
Dada art is so "pessimistic and bizarre" because it is meant to be that way. The artists behind the Dada movement wanted their works to defy social notions of beauty and order; going against the norm. They sought to discredit the German military class, middle class, and working class because none of these classes had done anything much to resist the war and the further descent of society into brutality and savagery. 


4. How many jobs does Dr. Caligari have in the film?
  Caligari is the villain of the story, and also the head of an insane asylum.


5. Why does Siddhartha leave his father?
Siddhartha left his father because he wanted to experience life for himself, and in the process find his true self. He felt that all the knowledge and teaching he had acquired up to that point in his life meant nothing without putting that knowledge to practical use. He felt there was more to life than acquiring knowledge. 


6.  How does Cesare "die" in the film?
After deciding to kidnap Jane instead of killing her he is pursued by the townsfolk, dying of exhaustion at the end of the chase. 


7. Why is the river so important to Siddhartha at the end of the novel?
Siddhartha identifies the river with Brahman, "it contains everything and does not exist in time." The river helps  him to appreciate the way everything is unified; being that the "river" is not just an idea but something that is real. It symbolizes completeness; good bad everything that is part of life.