Existentialism: Dealing with Life’s Fundamental Questions

Existentialism: Dealing with Life’s Fundamental Questions

Blog Article

The philosophy of existentialism is one of the most fascinating and liberating schools of thought of the last century. It explores the most fundamental of life’s questions: What does it mean to exist? Where do we find meaning in a purposeless world? Philosophers like Sartre, de Beauvoir, and Camus have examined these deep questions, providing us with important perspectives into how we can understand the struggles of human life in a world without inherent value.

At the heart of existentialist thought 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 determine our life's significance. In Sartre's words, “We are condemned to be free,” implying that while we have the total small business philosophy liberty to craft our future, this freedom also comes with the burden of choice. For some, this is an intimidating idea, but for those who follow existentialist thought, it’s an opportunity to face life's struggles and live with authenticity, without being constrained by societal expectations.

Existentialism challenges us to embrace the power of choice, to accept life’s irrationalities with bravery, and to discover purpose in the things we pursue, whether it’s through creativity, relationships, or simply the process of existence. While life may not have a larger, inherent meaning, existential thought reminds us that we have the power to create our own purpose. And in doing so, we can achieve deeply meaningful lives, even in the face of life’s unknowns.