In pursuit of my own interests is why I do anything. Well, it's why any of us do anything. However, the rewards system of our neurology is not evidence for any hidden meaning or morality.
Very well, now I'll answer Why Not?
If you don't believe in meaning then it doesn't make sense to use language. The very statement "I don't believe in meaning" is intrinsically dishonest.
Nihilism is a realization, not a lifestyle. I don't live like a Nihilist, as I've stated that I'm not a practicing Nihilist (usually people who destroy their bodies and have unprotected sex without any consideration for its consequences.) and even so, that is not really "practicing" Nihilism... that's just how some Nihilists choose to live.
Assuming there are degrees of nihilistic thought extreme nihilists are suicidal. I'll agree with you that nihilism isn't a lifestyle, neither is it a philosophical position.
I don't believe in meaning or morality
I could prove to the contrary from statements you've already made
or God or spirits or any of that.
You have posted things that you believe about god in other debates, but then we aren't supposed to be taking you seriously are we?
That ties in with Objectivism, Existentialism, etc.
I'm like Bob Marley, I'm sick and tired of the ism schism game. The ism suffix is a reliable indicator that an ideology has been taken to an unhealthy extreme or become so widely misunderstood that it's name has been rendered meaningless.
Then it comes down to this make believe idea that if you don't believe in morality or some kind of objective meaning, you aren't allowed to pursue any goals that can't be logically explained. Why am I not supposed to take drugs? I like how the drugs make me feel.
Your morality ties in with your goals. If you like to make believe that they can't be logically explained you are certainly allowed. You can lie about being interested in philosophy while truly your greatest interest is in cheap thrills. No one is going to make you set lofty goals.
I don't need to rationalize the feeling, the feelings occur and I exploit them before I die.
I am convinced
However, the greater good is nothing more than an idea. An idea that people give up their lives for, and kill others for.
An idea of the greater good is behind some colossal blunders but it's also behind every great accomplishment. If you are satisfied with your ideology and unexplainable goals, irrational good feelings etc. so be it.
Because life is not as important to them
The reluctant nihilist discusses importance!
than some idea that doesn't even exist.
There is no such thing as an idea that doesn't exist
If we consider Nietzsche type logic, which laid together the foundations of Nihilism, that is a good enough reason to not care about your idea that a greater good in any way is important.
All up on Nietzsche's nuts much?
If anything, it is, itself, evil. Not evil like Satan. But evil in that it is against the individual interests.
Not all ideas of greater good are necessarily against one's individual interests.
But in the end, maybe it isn't. I can't be certain, but i'm not going to accept that you are.
Be certain that I am certain about many things. This doesn't mean that I am necessarily right.
Why sacrifice my own interests for an idea that you tell me is right?
I would be extremely irritated by you if I thought you would.
If you personally believe it and sacrifice your own life, go ahead. But to have me partake in your sacrifice is where I draw the line.
What the hell are you talking about? I just want to challenge and be challenged.
I agree that terms are inadequate, but they are not entirely useless. Rather than responding like normal to the rest of your post, I'll leave you with a couple quotes I like a lot from Wittgenstein who like all good philosophers trails off into nonsense at times :)
“Philosophy is a battle against the bewitchment of our intelligence by means of language.”
“A philosopher who is not taking part in discussions is like a boxer who never goes into the ring”