Optimistic Nihilism: A Psychologist's Personal Story & (Biased) Professional Appraisal of Shedding Religion

by David Landers

Through surprisingly good storytelling, David “Don’t Call Me Doctor” Landers takes us on a captivating spiritual adventure as he walks us through his personal evolution from dedicated Christian to devout atheist. But much more than autobiography, his story is woven with provocative psychological and philosophical commentary, including input from the likes of Lucretius, Freud, and the metal band Napalm Death. A rare style of intellectual but conversational and poignant but humorous makes for a highly accessible and enjoyable read. As the spiritual account winds down, the book transitions into a more rational exploration of the problems associated with religion—and even with spirituality in general. Everyone from outspoken atheists to moderate believers will be engaged, as David is able to critically evaluate spirituality without the hostility so common among modern atheist writers. At the book’s climax, David develops the popular atheist conversation a little deeper by courageously exploring the implications of If our deepest fears about the nature of reality were to be true, could we go on? By the end of Optimistic Nihilism, we begin to suspect that we could—and even wonder if a relatively nihilistic perspective paradoxically makes life more precious than any other scheme. A critical must-read for all students of spirituality, psychology, and humanity.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality, Psychology, Memoir, Biography

323 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Jennifer Cason · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book club has been on a bit of a spiritual journey lately, so to round out a memoir of a female pastor (Pastrix), and a work of fiction centered on sin and redemption (Wise Blood), I selected this book on shedding religion. Not being much of a non-fiction reader, I approached the book with the kind of procrastination you might see in a high school kid distracting himself with Mario Cart in order to avoid writing that 20 page paper due in two days. To be honest, I was anticipating a dry, sort of scholarly work filled with the kind of academic pomposity you might expect to find in a novel written by an atheist college professor. I can't express how wrong I was, and how happy I was to be wrong.

Reading Dr. Lander's book is like sitting down with a good buddy over a cup of coffee or a pint of beer and chatting about our childhood experiences and how they shaped us, our fears, our hopes, our prejudices, favorite quotes, life philosophies...and I could go on. Contrary to the feeling of a writer talking AT me, I felt like the book was talking WITH me. A dialogue that had me deep in thought and making notations one moment and laughing out loud the next. Indeed Dr. Lander's threads a dry wit throughout his book that pops up at unexpected and rather perfect moments.

Part memoir, part philosophy lesson, part history review, part self help book (not what you think...way better) the novel takes us on a thought provoking journey into the mind of a writer who makes himself completely vulnerable to his audience. In the sharing of his own demons including anxiety, adolescent drug use, broken clavicles (you will understand when you read it...hilarious), and struggles with growing up in a family dedicated to a religion and culture in which David struggled to belong, yet ultimately failed, at first to his dismay and then to his great relief (at least that is my interpretation), David gives a strong message: "I'm not here to judge you or even persuade you, but if you're struggling like I once did, I'd love to help you find some peace and contentment in this crazy life journey of ours."

So in a nutshell, I loved this book and all its perfect imperfections. Recommended for everyone both believers and nonbelievers alike.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining but Not Overly Optimistic

I choose this book because I'm an atheist in the field of counseling who loves people and wants to help them achieve the best for themselves; however, I simultaneously recognize the frivolity of almost all that we do, say, and dream. I wanted to see what he had to say about the whole situation. I wasn't disappointed. I looked forward to reading this book anytime I was able to escape from work and grad school. I'd recommend it to anyone who is toying with the idea of nihilism but doesn't want to descend into morbid negativity.

[Arindam B · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book among all the 42 books I read this year and one of the best I ever read.
I fell in love with the philosophy of the author. I am not any good in writing reviews and when it is a book like this one I can just say- I am speechless.. I would suggest all of you to read this book if you really want to look at life from a wonderful perspective where you can live and let live happily.

[Laineybird · Rating 5 out of 5]

But I was never in Carlsbad Caverns!

I love this book. I would love to have a beer with the author. Mostly because, I too, believe that emotional invalidation is rampant in my conversations and the constant presence of the devils advocate is wearing me down. Even amongst my closest friends. Sigh.

[Emily Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly captivating and thought provoking read. I've never read another book quite like it. Landers combines atheism, psychology, philosophy, and even bits of autobiography with such an engaging nuance. Sometimes I laughed out loud while reading this, other parts had me wrapped in thought.
As informative and interesting as the author's perspectives are, he also includes references and quotes from many great psychologists, philosophers, and writers- which deeply enhance the points demonstrated.
As a young recovering addict looking for optimism and knowledge in a clean and sober yet faithless life, this is one of the best books I've read in some time.

[Númi Arnarson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like I was reading about myself

This book basically told the story of my life. I had adopted a lot of the same views before reading the book. I just didn’t know it was called nihilism. Question everything and remember to step aside to observe the world without judging. Live in the presence.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous writer!

An inspiring, funny, honest, and intelligent read. There's so much knowledge and wisdom in these pages, and as a former fundamentalist Christian minister turned nihilist myself, this book made me smile and nod my head in agreement so much that it hurt!

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here’s what I reflected on after finishing this book:

Maybe life isn’t really about finding the perfect meaning or always being happy. Maybe it’s more about actually living — being present and doing more than just chasing happiness.

Sometimes, pursuing happiness can feel like being stuck on a hedonistic treadmill — even when we have more pleasure, we might actually feel less from it over time. It also reminds me of Nozick’s experience machine: even if we could live in a world of constant happiness, something would still feel off. It might not be the kind of life we truly want.

So, what can we do instead? I think focusing on something meaningful — like helping others or working toward a purpose — could be a better path than just trying to be happy all the time. That shift in focus might lead to a more fulfilling life.

[Joel Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit scattered but the message came through. Very little vitriol toward religion. Cites some books with references to Buddhism (not vitriolic). I liked this book, even though i am a Christian. The author has a good sense of humor and a healthy skepticism. The book challenged my faith without being nasty about it. Recommended

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me feel like I was putting rich, creamy lotion on dry, cracked skin. It made me feel like I was wrapped up tight in a heavy, warm blanket by a roaring campfire on a freezing winter night. In other words - soothing, comforting. It made me feel understood and validated. Thank you, David Landers, so much for writing this.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like other reviewers, I felt the author dwells a bit too long on his adventures with drugs. But once you get about a third through the book, you'll start to encounter some salient insights. The irreverent humor along the way is also welcome.

[Grimm Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a lot out of this book; it covers a lot of ground in roughly 300 pages—some of those pages were hard to read, but at least they were raw and true. If you’re looking for a dose of reality without the fluff and frosting, then you can do worse than this book.

[Nick · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's more of an autobiography of the author, mixed in with ramblings about different perspectives on life, religion, atheism, and other random topics. Don't waste your time and just go straight for the author's cited examples - Nietzsche, Dawkins, Becker.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply brilliant

One mans’ journey from the fear of death, to the complete acceptance of life as it is. Nihilism as “the path”.

[nicholas cruciani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

I feel the author used science,common sense and authenticity writing this book it was a refreshing read I will re-read this book in the future