noun
the rejection of all religious and moral principles, in the belief that life is meaningless.
“they condemned the show for its cynicism and nihilism”
I would say the 20 are showing moral principles, have a belief that life is meaningful and that’s why they stand their ground.
The others have given in, are sheep and think it’s just the way it works and have given up on anything meaningful.
I’m glad our founders had a vision and worked against all odds for change.