The Philosophy of Existentialism: Dealing with Life’s Fundamental Questions

The Philosophy of Existentialism: Dealing with Life’s Fundamental Questions

Blog Article

The philosophy of existentialism is one of the most intriguing and influential schools of thought of the last century. It poses the most fundamental of life’s mysteries: What does it mean to exist? Can we discover purpose in a meaningless universe? Thinkers like Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Camus have explored these deep questions, presenting us with important perspectives into how we can understand the struggles of human life in a world without predefined purpose.

At the heart of existentialist thought is the idea that we exist before we find purpose. This means that we are born without any predefined meaning, and it is up to us to create meaning in our lives. In Sartre's words, “We are condemned to be free,” suggesting that while we have the total liberty to shape our destiny, this freedom also comes with the burden of choice. For some, this is an daunting concept, but for existentialists, it’s an encouragement to accept life’s difficulties and live authentically, without being held back by the opinions of others.

Existentialism invites us to embrace the power of choice, to face life’s absurdities with courage, and to discover purpose in the things we choose, investment philosophy whether it’s through artistic expression, interpersonal bonds, or simply the act of living. While life may not have a higher, predefined purpose, this philosophy reminds us that we have the power to determine our own meaning. And in doing so, we can live lives that are deeply fulfilling, even in the face of life’s challenges.