nutilisme

Nutilisme is a philosophical and literary movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily in France. The term "nutilisme" is derived from the Latin word "nutilus," meaning "useless" or "worthless." The movement is characterized by its rejection of traditional values, aesthetics, and social norms, advocating instead for a return to a more natural, unadorned, and often grotesque or absurd worldview.

Nutilists often embraced the idea of the "useless" or the "worthless" as a means of challenging societal expectations and conventions. They sought to expose the artificiality and superficiality of modern life, advocating for a more authentic and unfiltered existence. This often involved a critique of consumerism, materialism, and the pursuit of status and success.

Literary works by nutilists frequently feature grotesque imagery, absurd situations, and a focus on the mundane and the trivial. Notable figures associated with nutilisme include the French writer Georges Bernanos, whose novel "Under the Sun of Satan" is a seminal work of the movement. Bernanos' writing often explores themes of decay, moral corruption, and the absurdity of human existence.

Nutilisme also had a significant impact on the visual arts, particularly in the realm of sculpture and architecture. Artists and architects associated with the movement often sought to create works that were intentionally ugly, clumsy, or otherwise unappealing, challenging conventional notions of beauty and aesthetics.

Despite its relatively brief duration, nutilisme left a lasting impact on literature, art, and philosophy, influencing subsequent movements and continuing to be studied and debated by scholars and enthusiasts alike.