Existentialism is more than just a philosophical movement; it is a way of understanding the human experience. At its core, existentialism is about the individual’s subjective experience and freedom in the face of a seemingly meaningless and absurd world. It emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the crisis of meaning brought about by modernity and the horrors of the two World Wars.
Related media: Existentialism: Crash Course Philosophy #16
Existentialism 101
What existentialism teaches us is that our lives are not pre-determined or guided by any external force. Instead, we are free to make our own choices and determine the meaning and purpose of our lives. This freedom can be both liberating and terrifying, as it places the full responsibility for our lives squarely on our own shoulders.
But what does this mean for our day-to-day lives? How can we use existentialism to better understand and interpret our own experiences?
How Does This Affect Your Life?
Here are a few ways that existentialism can help us:
Embrace our own uniqueness: it emphasizes the individual’s subjective experience, which means that each person’s experience is unique and cannot be replicated. This can help us embrace our own uniqueness and understand that we are not bound by the expectations of others or society.
Take responsibility for our lives: it teaches us that we are the sole authors of our own lives and that we are responsible for the choices we make. This can be a liberating realization, as it means that we have the power to shape our own destinies.
Face our fears and anxieties: it acknowledges that life can be challenging and full of uncertainty. By embracing this reality, we can learn to face our fears and anxieties head-on, rather than avoiding them or pretending they don’t exist.
Find meaning in our lives: it acknowledges that life can be inherently meaningless, but it also emphasizes that we have the power to create our own meaning. By pursuing our passions and values, we can find purpose and fulfillment in our lives.
Existentialism is not a one-size-fits-all philosophy. It is a way of thinking that encourages us to explore the complexities of our own experiences and find our own unique path in life. It can be a challenging and sometimes uncomfortable process, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.
Famous Existentialists In Histoy
If you’re interested in exploring existentialism further, there are many books and resources available that can help you dive deeper into this rich and complex philosophy. Some good places to start include the works of Jean-Paul Sartre, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Martin Heidegger.
In the end, existentialism can be a powerful tool for understanding and interpreting our own experiences. By embracing our freedom, taking responsibility for our lives, and finding meaning in our own unique way, we can create a life that is fulfilling and meaningful. So why not take the plunge and explore the world of existentialism for yourself?
Let us know if you’re an existentialist.
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Written by: Papayaw Marfoh, Wed, Mar 15, 2023.