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 thought-provoking and liberating philosophical movements of the modern era. It explores the most profound 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 investigated these deep questions, providing us with unique insights into how we can deal with the challenges of existence in a world without inherent value.

At the heart of existentialism is the idea that we are born without inherent meaning. This means that we are born without any predefined meaning, and it is up to us to create meaning in our lives. As Sartre investment philosophy put it, “We are condemned to be free,” implying that while we have the ultimate freedom 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 pursue a life of authenticity, without being constrained by societal expectations.

This philosophy invites us to be responsible for our decisions, to accept life’s irrationalities with bravery, and to create significance in the things we do, whether it’s through creativity, relationships, or simply the act of living. 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 lead lives of profound fulfillment, even in the face of life’s challenges.