I've been a philosophy student for about 3 years, and I can typically
"wrap my brain around" new philosophers and concepts fairly easily.
However, I am currently taking Metaphysics, and Heidegger has proven
quite difficult, and a little frustrating.

I'm in the process of writing a paper on Heigegger's "What is
Metaphysics," and I simply need to hear some different views. I have my
own interpretation, and I have done a little research which turned up a
few interesting items amidst a sea of convoluted nonsense. I am not
fluent in German, so I am dependent upon David Krell's (seemingly good)
English translation.

Sorry for the long preface: I am a bit confused with Heidegger's
concept of "the nothing." For example, when he states, "...in our
inquiry concerning the nothing it has by now become manifest that
scientific existence is possible only if in advance it holds itself out
into the nothing" (p. 109, Krell), what exactly does he mean?

I'd really appreciate some good input. Once there are a couple
responses, I'll post my own thoughts on the subject. If anyone here is
particularly knowledgeable of Heidegger, I'd love to see some input on
the idea of anxiety and/or nihilation. These concepts are giving me a
little trouble as well (all because of my weak understanding of the
"nothing").

Thanks in advance!