Existentialism

Main Idea

Existentialism is a way of thinking that focuses on individual freedom, choice, and personal responsibility. It believes that life doesn't have a built-in meaning; instead, we each create our own purpose. Life can be confusing and uncertain, but we have the power to make our own choices and define who we are.

Explained

Existentialism is a philosophy that asks big questions about life, like "Why are we here?" and "What should we do with our lives?" It says that there is no one right answer to these questions because life doesn't come with a clear purpose. Instead, we each have to figure out our own path.

This can be both scary and exciting. On one hand, it means we are free to make our own choices and create our own meaning. On the other hand, it means that we are responsible for what we do and that we can't blame others or fate for our actions.

Existentialists believe that by accepting this freedom and responsibility, we can live more authentic and meaningful lives. We should face our fears and doubts and embrace the challenge of creating our own identity and purpose.

Basics

Here are some key ideas in existentialism:

1. Existence Precedes Essence: This means that we are not born with a set purpose. We exist first, and then we create our own essence (or identity) through our actions and choices.

2. Freedom and Responsibility: We are free to make our own choices, but we are also responsible for the consequences of those choices.

3. The Absurd: Life can seem random and meaningless. The "absurd" is the conflict between our desire to find meaning and the world's indifference to our search.

4. Authenticity: Living authentically means being true to ourselves and our own values, rather than conforming to what others expect of us.

5. Angst and Despair: These are common feelings in existentialism. Angst is a deep feeling of anxiety or dread about the meaning of life, while despair comes from realizing that we alone are responsible for creating our own meaning.

Founder

One of the most important figures in existentialism is Jean-Paul Sartre. He was a French philosopher who wrote a lot about these ideas in the mid-20th century. Sartre believed that people are "condemned to be free," meaning that we have no choice but to make choices, even though it can be a heavy burden.

Other important existentialist thinkers include:

- Friedrich Nietzsche: He challenged traditional values and believed that individuals should create their own morals and meaning.

- Søren Kierkegaard: Often considered the first existentialist, he focused on the individual's relationship with God and the importance of personal choice and commitment.

- Albert Camus: He wrote about the absurdity of life and how we can find meaning despite it.

Common Terms

- Existence: The state of being alive or real.

- Essence: The core nature or most important quality of a person or thing.

- Absurd: The conflict between our search for meaning and the meaningless world.

- Angst: A deep, existential dread or anxiety about life.

- Authenticity: Being true to oneself and one's values.

- Freedom: The ability to make our own choices.

- Responsibility: Being accountable for our actions and their outcomes.

Purpose

The purpose of existentialism is to help us understand that we are free to shape our own lives. It encourages us to take responsibility for our choices and to live authentically, according to our own values and beliefs. By doing this, we can find personal meaning and fulfillment, even in a world that doesn't provide clear answers.

Existentialism aims to empower individuals to live with purpose and to embrace the freedom that comes with being human. It teaches us to face life's uncertainties and challenges head-on and to create our own path.

Rules

Existentialism doesn't have strict rules like some other philosophies or religions. Instead, it offers guidelines to help us live more meaningful and authentic lives:

1. Embrace Your Freedom: Accept that you are free to make your own choices.

2. Take Responsibility: Own your actions and their consequences.

3. Live Authentically: Be true to yourself and your values, rather than following others.

4. Face the Absurd: Acknowledge that life can be confusing and meaningless, but don't let that stop you from creating your own meaning.

5. Accept Angst and Despair: Recognize these feelings as part of the human experience and use them to motivate you to live more fully.

Teachings

Existentialist teachings focus on personal growth and self-awareness. Here are some key teachings:

- Create Your Own Meaning: Don't wait for life to give you a purpose; make your own.

- Be Honest with Yourself: Look inward and understand your true desires and values.

- Act with Integrity: Make choices that align with your personal beliefs.

- Accept Life's Challenges: Embrace difficulties as opportunities to grow and learn.

- Value Individuality: Appreciate your unique perspective and experiences.

Books Recommendations

To learn more about existentialism, here are some classic books:

1. "Being and Nothingness" by Jean-Paul Sartre: A comprehensive introduction to Sartre's existential philosophy.

2. "Existentialism is a Humanism" by Jean-Paul Sartre: A shorter, more accessible explanation of existentialist ideas.

3. "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" by Friedrich Nietzsche: A philosophical novel that explores many existential themes.

4. "The Stranger" by Albert Camus: A novel that illustrates the absurdity of life.

5. "Fear and Trembling" by Søren Kierkegaard: A deep dive into faith, ethics, and personal choice.

These books can help you understand existentialism and how it applies to your own life.