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

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

Blog Article

Existentialist thought is one of the most thought-provoking and liberating philosophical movements of the last century. It poses the biggest of life’s enquiries: What is the meaning of existence? Where do we find meaning in a purposeless world? Key figures like Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Camus have explored these complex concepts, providing us with valuable insights 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 inherent purpose, and it is up to us to determine our life's significance. Sartre famously said, “We are condemned to be free,” implying that while we have the ultimate freedom to determine our path, this freedom also comes with the investment philosophy weight of responsibility. For some, this is an daunting concept, but for those who follow existentialist thought, it’s an invitation to embrace life’s challenges and live with authenticity, without being constrained by societal expectations.

This philosophy encourages us to be responsible for our decisions, to face life’s absurdities with courage, and to discover purpose in the things we choose, whether it’s through artistic expression, interpersonal bonds, or simply the daily experience of life. While life may not have a larger, inherent meaning, existentialism reminds us that we have the freedom to create our own purpose. And in doing so, we can achieve deeply meaningful lives, even in the face of life’s uncertainties.