Charvaka Core Beliefs:
Only perception (pratyaksha) is valid.No soul, no rebirth, no karma. Consciousness is a byproduct of the body, like intoxication from alcohol.
Pleasure is the goal Enjoy life while you can. Life is short, and death is final.
Nihilism Core Beliefs:
Nothing matters. There’s no inherent meaning, morality, or purpose—sometimes even no certainty in knowledge.
If not handled carefully, can spiral into apathy or despair. But when confronted, it becomes a challenge to create your own values—which is actually a powerful framework for personal agency.