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 influential schools of thought of the 20th century. It poses the most fundamental of life’s questions: What is the meaning of existence? Where do we find meaning in a purposeless world? Key figures like Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Camus have explored these deep questions, providing 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 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 philosophy freedom also comes with the challenge of responsibility. For some, this is an daunting concept, but for existentialists, it’s an invitation to embrace life’s challenges and live authentically, without being limited by social norms.

This philosophy invites us to embrace the power of choice, to face life’s absurdities with courage, and to find meaning in the things we do, whether it’s through creativity, relationships, or simply the daily experience of life. While life may not have a higher, predefined 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.