Endism

Endism (derived from 'end' and '-ism') refers to a philosophical or ideological stance that emphasizes and prioritizes endings, finalities, or the ultimate goal or purpose of something. It encompasses beliefs focused on conclusions, ultimates, or the pursuit of resolution. This could apply to grand narratives of history, the individual's life journey, or specific projects. endism often involves a teleological perspective, asserting that events or actions are directed toward a specific, often predetermined, endpoint. It also can involve a pessimistic outlook believing that all things move toward a destructive end. The core principle is the importance of the ultimate state, outcome, or conclusion.

Endism meaning with examples

• The philosopher's lectures explored the 'endism' prevalent in apocalyptic religious movements, where the focus on an impending final judgment shaped their belief systems and ethical practices. Their belief was built around reaching this ultimate, 'final end'. The followers would follow this end, leading to mass hysteria as they anticipated a world ending event.
• The construction project faced delays, prompting the team's 'endism' to surface; they began fixating on the project's completion date and disregarding immediate problems. The focus was not to build properly but to achieve their final 'end'. This singular focus on the end, resulted in the project losing all its quality as focus was on the outcome only, not the journey.
• Some critics view the 'endism' in certain art movements as a desire to capture a definitive statement, a final image or artwork to sum up all other work. They create many works for a goal, and not just the journey to make it. Artists such as Jackson Pollock could have been an artist in this area as they aimed to get it correct at the 'end'.
• Historians have examined how 'endism' has influenced political ideologies, highlighting the ways in which leaders use promises of a final 'end' state, utopia, or decisive victory to garner support for policies. The ability to get to this 'end' is critical to how they believe, and it impacts their policies.