The philosophies emerging from the Age of Enlightenment have modified our vision of the world. Initially, knowledge of societies was based solely on the ideas proposed in religious texts. The rise of consumerism has caused humans to trust science more than religion. This poses serious problems for a society whose values ​​were all based on their beliefs. The ideologies presented in Chekhov's and Nietzsche's texts demonstrate two very different conclusions about humanity's potential. The absence of religion has created a void in society. Chekhov demonstrates the idea that all human achievements are ultimately worthless, because humans are ephemeral. Nietzsche's character believes in the power of man and encourages society to become like God and create its own morality. The philosophies of such a man are ridiculed in The Bet. Chekhov's depiction of a man's disappointment with the ephemeral aspect of knowledge of the world contrasts with Nietzsche's depiction of a man's attempt to recreate divinity on earth and govern society on the basis of 'a manufactured morality. The Wager highlights the flaws associated with placing too much importance on earthly pleasures. The short story begins with a banker remembering a party he threw 15 years ago. The party guests are described as being very rational and scientific, based on their occupations and the content of their discussions. The banker claims that the death penalty is more humane than life imprisonment. A lawyer disagrees so much with this statement that he impulsively bets with the banker that he will remain in solitary confinement for fifteen years and that if successful, the banker will grant him two million rubles. The lawyer's willingness to sacrifice the prime time of his life in the middle of a newspaper seems absurd to the lawyer. Chekhov's emphasis on the beauty of divine forces disregards the ideas proposed by Nietzsche. The depiction of a man greatly dissatisfied with the fleeting quality of human life in The Wager contrasts 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, because it is eternal. The Fool explores the idea that man can live independently of this divine force and govern society without it. Chekhov's conclusions make a mockery of 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, New South Wales: Angus and Robertson, 1995. Print. Belmer, Stephanie. The creation of the Western world. 2013. Print.