Existential nihilism is the
philosophical theory that life has no intrinsic
meaning or value. With respect to the universe, existential nihilism posits that a single human or even the entire human species is insignificant, without purpose and unlikely to change in the totality of existence. According to the theory, each individual is an isolated being born into the universe, barred from knowing "why", yet compelled to invent meaning. The inherent meaninglessness of life is largely explored in the philosophical school of
existentialism, where one can potentially create his or her own subjective "meaning" or "purpose". Of all types of
nihilism, existential nihilism has received the most literary and philosophical attention.