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Existentialism: Understanding a Way of Living

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that has endured for centuries, and is still relevant today. It focuses on the concept of human existence, emphasizing the unique experience of being alive and the importance of making meaningful choices. It is often associated with anguish and despair, but it can just as easily be seen as a powerful force of liberation and self-discovery. Here we explore the core tenets of existentialism and consider how it can be applied to our daily lives.

What is Existentialism?

Existentialism is a philosophical school of thought that is based on the idea that people are free to make their own choices in life and are therefore responsible for their own outcomes. It states that there are no universal truths; instead, each person must find their own subjective truth and meaning in life. Existentialism stresses the importance of individual responsibility and acknowledges the inevitability of death and the limits of human knowledge. It does not offer fixed systems of belief, but encourages an individual’s journey of exploration and discovery.

Existentialist themes can be traced to ancient times, but the movement gained prominence in the 19th and 20th centuries with the work of philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Martin Heidegger, Albert Camus, and Simone de Beauvoir. These thinkers developed the core concepts of existence and choice, and grappled with questions such as: What does it mean to be alive? How do we give meaning to our lives? How should we respond to grief, suffering, and death?

The Characteristics of Existentialism

Existentialism is characterized by several core tenets, which are key to understanding how it can be applied in our everyday lives. These include:

1. Freedom and Responsibility: Existentialism states that people are free to make their own choices and determine their own paths in life. They cannot be predetermined or controlled by external factors, such as fate or destiny. Every action and decision they make has consequences, and they must be willing to accept and accept responsibility for those consequences.

2. Meaninglessness: Existentialists believe that life is ultimately meaningless, and that people must find their own individual meaning and purpose. Nothing has intrinsic value; instead, it is up to each person to determine what has value to them.

3. Anxiety and Anguish: Existential angst is the feeling of despair and anxiety caused by the recognition of our own mortality and freedom of choice. It arises from the awareness that our lives are finite, and that we are responsible for what we make of them.

4. Engagement: Life must be experienced fully, through a process of engagement and action. Existentialists emphasize the importance of living an authentic, engaged life rather than avoiding difficult choices or shying away from risk.

5. Alienation: Existentialists reject conformity and attachments to society, instead encouraging individuals to seek an engaged relationship with existence. People must strive to overcome feelings of alienation and isolation, and strive toward meaningful connections.

How Existentialism Translates to Daily Life

Existentialism is a complex philosophy, but its principles can be applied and incorporated into our daily lives. By adopting an attitude of freedom and responsibility, we can work towards creating fulfilling, meaningful lives that reflect our individual values and aspirations.

The first step is to accept that life is fundamentally uncertain and unpredictable. We must be willing to take risks and strive to make something of our lives, despite the fear of failure and the inevitability of death. We must be willing to think deeply and challenge our own beliefs and preconceptions.

The second step is to recognize and accept our feelings of angst and dread. Existential angst is a normal part of the modern human experience, and by confronting it, we can discover and embrace our capacity to choose and create meaning in our lives.

The third step is to practice engagement and acceptance. We must live fully and courageously, without shying away from difficult or unfamiliar experiences. We must embrace our relationships with others, not reject them. At the same time, we must appreciate those moments of solitude and face up to the fact that life often brings pain and sorrow, as well as moments of joy and pleasure.

Finally, we must learn to embrace our freedom and responsibility as individuals. We make our own choices, and it is up to us to decide how we live our lives. No matter what choices we make, we must take ownership of them, accept the consequences, and make the best of the opportunities we have been given.

Conclusion

Existentialism is a powerful philosophical movement that has been embraced by people all over the world. It encourages us to embrace our freedom and recognize our capacity to choose and create meaning in our lives. By understanding the core tenets of existentialism, we can learn to accept our existence and make meaningful decisions in our everyday lives.