The philosophies that emerged from the Age of Enlightenment have changed our view of the world. Initially, knowledge of societies was based exclusively on ideas proposed in religious texts. The rise of consumerism has led humans to place more trust in science than religion. This poses serious problems for a society whose values ​​were all rooted in their beliefs. The ideologies presented in the texts of Chekhov and Nietzsche demonstrate two very different conclusions about the potential of humankind. The absence of religion has created a void in society. Chekhov demonstrates the idea that all human achievements are ultimately useless, as humans are fleeting. Nietzsche's character believes in the power of man and encourages society to become like God and create its own morality. The philosophy of such a man is mocked in The Bet. Chekhov's depiction of a man's disappointment with the transitory aspect of worldly knowledge is contrasted with Nietzsche's depiction of a man's attempt to recreate divinity on earth and govern society on the basis of an invented morality. Bet highlights the flaws associated with giving too much importance to earthly pleasures. The story begins with a banker remembering a party thrown 15 years ago. The guests of the party are described as highly rational and scientific, based on their occupations and the content of their discussions. The banker argues that capital punishment is more humane than life imprisonment. A lawyer so disagrees with this statement that he impulsively bets the banker that he will remain in solitary confinement for fifteen years and, if successful, the banker will award him two million rubble. The lawyer's willingness to sacrifice the best time of his life in... half his life seems absurd to the lawyer. Chekhov's emphasis on the beauty of divine forces despises the ideas proposed by Nietzsche. The depiction of a man very dissatisfied with the fleeting quality of human life in The Wager is contrasted with Nietzsche's belief in the power of humanity. Chekhov's text proposes the idea that spirituality will always be the most essential form of orientation, since it is eternal. The Madman explores the idea that man can live independently of this divine force and rule society without it. Chekhov's conclusions mock Nietzsche's philosophies. Works Cited Friedrich Nietzsche, The Gay Science (1882, 1887) para. 125; Walter Kaufmann ed. (New York: Vintage, 1974), pp.181-82.]Chekhov, Anton Pavlovich. The bet. Pymble, NSW: Angus & Robertson, 1995. Print.Belmer, Stephanie. The formation of the Western world. 2013. Print.