Existentialist Thought: Dealing with Life’s Fundamental Questions

Existentialist Thought: Dealing with Life’s Fundamental Questions

Blog Article

Existentialism is one of the most intriguing and empowering philosophical ideas of the modern era. It explores the biggest of life’s enquiries: What is the meaning of existence? How do we find purpose in an indifferent universe? Key figures like Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Camus have explored these deep questions, presenting us with unique insights into how we can understand the struggles of human life in a world without predetermined meaning.

At the heart of this philosophy is the idea that we are born without inherent meaning. This means that we are born without any inherent purpose, and it is up to us to find philosophy our own purpose. In Sartre's words, “We are condemned to be free,” suggesting that while we have the ultimate freedom to craft our future, this freedom also comes with the challenge of responsibility. For some, this is an daunting concept, but for existentialists, it’s an encouragement to accept life’s difficulties and pursue a life of authenticity, without being constrained by societal expectations.

Existentialism invites us to be responsible for our decisions, to accept life’s irrationalities with bravery, and to create significance in the things we choose, whether it’s through creativity, relationships, or simply the act of living. While life may not have a grand, universal purpose, existential thought reminds us that we have the ability to determine our own meaning. And in doing so, we can achieve deeply meaningful lives, even in the face of life’s unknowns.