existentialism

Existentialism is not just about being gloomy, even though people sometimes think that. It is a philosophy that puts you at the center. It says we are born into a world without a clear built-in meaning, and each person must create purpose through the choices they make. You are not handed a script for your life; you write it yourself, and that freedom brings real responsibility. Writers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, and thinkers and writers often linked to these ideas, such as Albert Camus, explored these questions in novels and essays. You might hear about "existential angst" when someone is struggling with big questions about life, purpose, and choice.

Existentialism is a complex philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and responsibility. It arose in the 19th and 20th centuries, largely as a response to traditional philosophies that sought universal truths or relied on pre-defined systems of meaning. At its core, existentialism asserts that "existence precedes essence." This means we are born into the world first, and then through our actions and choices, we define who we are – our "essence."

Unlike beliefs that suggest a predetermined fate or divine plan, existentialists believe humans are fundamentally free to choose their own path. However, this freedom isn't carefree; it comes with a heavy weight of responsibility. Because there's no external authority dictating what is right or wrong, we are accountable for the meaning we create and the values we uphold.

Key themes within existentialism include anxiety (often stemming from the awareness of our own mortality and the burden of freedom), authenticity (living in accordance with one's own values rather than societal expectations), and absurdity (the conflict between humanity's search for inherent meaning and the meaningless universe).

You might encounter existentialist ideas explored in literature, art, and psychology. Jean-Paul Sartre's No Exit is a classic existentialist example, and Albert Camus' The Stranger is often discussed alongside these ideas, even though Camus did not fully accept the label himself. In everyday language, you might say someone is having an "existential crisis" – a period of intense questioning about their life's purpose. While it can sound heavy, existentialism ultimately encourages us to embrace our freedom and create meaningful lives in a world that doesn't offer easy answers. It isn't necessarily pessimistic; rather, it's a call to radical self-reliance and authentic living.