From a philosophical point of view, the concept of "nothing" can have many interpretations. In fact, one can't even say that nothing does or does not exist. One cannot sense, see, feel, or think nothing. There is no contact with nothing. Nothing is where everything isn't. Visualizing "nothing" would make "something". It could be seen as a physical void or as just a word which only has meaning when used to describe a relationship between different "somethings". A single "correct" definition of nothing could be considered impossible, since "right" and "wrong" do not fit within the confines of nothing.



дальше..."In a sense, 'nothing' is a word used in the English language to describe the realization that something which is sought, consciously or unconsciously, can not be detected by using reason, logic or observation using the physical senses. This does not denote the absence of that which is being sought, only that it cannot be observed or reasoned. The basis of all art is the act where the construct of 'nothing' is replaced with the creations of the imagination." - Thomas Mostert



The concept of "nothing" has been studied throughout history by philosophers and theologians; many have found that careful consideration of the notion can easily lead to the logical fallacy of reification. The understanding of "nothing" varies widely between cultures, especially between Western and Eastern cultures and philosophical traditions. For instance, emptiness, unlike "nothingness", is considered a state of mind in Buddhism (See Nirvana, Mu, Enlightenment). Existentialism and Heidegger have brought these two understandings closer together.



The search for nothing (or nothingness) was a part of the 60’s counter-culture. Writer/folk singer Richard Farina popularized this concept in his works “Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up To Me” and “Long Time Coming, Long Time Gone”, and most famously in his “Little Nothing Poems”. A few examples from his writings follow.



"When asked to play a 12-bar blues, Ornette Coleman fingered his plastic saxophone and played nothing...he's felt more nothing than you or I know." -- Richard Farina "In the beginning was nothing, a rather difficult scene to make if you dig" -- Richard Farina "Nothing lasts forever, like a tempest in a teacup" -- Richard Farina "Nothing twisted Einstein's head as where it all ended, and it just might, thank you" -- Richard Farina



John Cage, composer of music he described as "purposeless play", sought for nothing in his music and he found it. He is quoted as having said about his music "this play is an affirmation of life—not an attempt to bring order out of chaos".



Every something is an echo of Nothing." -- John Cage



Singer/composers John Mellencamp and Frater Felix also referenced nothing



"Nothing matters - and so what if it did!" -- John Mellencamp



Nothing matters? It doesn't mind, either...there ya go - that's the SPIRIT!" -- Frater Felix



"She whispered SWEET Nothings in my ear..." Frater Felix



"Nothing is like a pretzel, the more one thinks about "it", the more you tie yourself up in KNOTS..." Frater Felix



Other references to the quest for nothingness can be found in the works of Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, etc.



The understanding of nothingness was often conveyed through Zen style koans which were all based on the idea that nothing was something to be strived for. The following are examples gleaned from many minds.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nothing#Philosophy