At some point in life, everyone asks the “Big Questions”: Who am I? Why am I here? Does my life actually matter? While traditional philosophy often looks for universal truths or scientific laws, Existentialism turns the lens inward. It focuses on the individual’s experience of living, choosing, and creating meaning in a world that often seems indifferent or “absurd.”
Here is a breakdown of what existential philosophy is and why it remains one of the most influential movements in modern thought.
1. The Core Tenant: “Existence Precedes Essence”
Coined by Jean-Paul Sartre, this is the foundation of existentialist thought.
- The Old View: Most philosophies and religions argued that humans have an “essence” (a soul, a destiny, or a biological purpose) before they are even born.
- The Existentialist View: We are born first (existence) and then we define who we are (essence) through our actions and choices. There is no pre-written script; we are the authors of our own lives.
2. Key Themes of Existentialism
The Absurd
The “Absurd” is the conflict between the human longing for order and meaning and the silent, chaotic universe. Albert Camus famously used the Myth of Sisyphus—a man condemned to roll a rock up a hill for eternity only for it to roll back down—as a metaphor for life. To the existentialist, life isn’t inherently meaningful, but that gives us the freedom to create our own meaning.
Freedom and Responsibility
If there is no destiny and no divine plan, you are radically free. However, existentialists argue that this freedom comes with a heavy burden. Sartre famously said, “Man is condemned to be free.” Because you are the sole creator of your values, you are also entirely responsible for your actions. You cannot blame “fate” or “human nature.”
Facticity vs. Transcendence
- Facticity: These are the things you cannot change (where you were born, your DNA, the laws of physics).
- Transcendence: This is your ability to consciously move beyond your circumstances through your choices. Existentialism is the balance of acknowledging your limits while exercising your will.
Authenticity and “Bad Faith”
To live authentically is to make choices that align with your true self, accepting full responsibility for them. To live in “Bad Faith” is to lie to yourself—to claim you “had no choice” but to follow the crowd, a job you hate, or societal expectations.
3. The Giants of Existential Thought
- Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855): The “Father of Existentialism.” A religious thinker who focused on the individual’s subjective relationship with God and the “leap of faith.”
- Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900): Famous for declaring “God is dead,” Nietzsche challenged individuals to move beyond traditional morality and become “Overmen” (Übermensch) who create their own values.
- Jean-Paul Sartre (1905–1980): The face of 20th-century atheistic existentialism. He emphasized that we are “nothingness” until we begin to act.
- Albert Camus (1913–1960): While he preferred the term “Absurdist,” his work on how to live happily in the face of the meaningless of life is central to the movement.
- Simone de Beauvoir (1908–1986): She applied existentialism to feminism, arguing in The Second Sex that “one is not born, but rather becomes, a woman,” emphasizing that gender roles are often social constructs rather than biological essences.
4. Why Existentialism Matters Today
Existentialism is often criticized for being “gloomy” or “depressing” because it talks about anxiety and death. However, most practitioners find it deeply empowering.
In a world dominated by algorithms, social pressure, and massive corporate structures, existential philosophy reminds us that:
- You are not a cog in a machine. You are an individual with agency.
- Meaning is a DIY project. You don’t have to “find” your purpose; you get to build it.
- Action is everything. It doesn’t matter what you think or intend; you are defined by what you do.
Summary
Existentialism is the philosophy of radical self-reliance. It suggests that while the universe may not provide us with a map, we have the tools to draw our own. By embracing our freedom and accepting the weight of our choices, we can live lives that are truly authentic.
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