Existentialist Thought: Dealing with Life’s Fundamental Questions

Existentialist Thought: Dealing with Life’s Fundamental Questions

Blog Article

The philosophy of existentialism is one of the most fascinating and influential schools of thought of the 20th century. It poses the biggest of life’s mysteries: What does it mean to exist? Can we discover purpose in a meaningless universe? Philosophers like Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus have investigated these profound ideas, providing us with valuable 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 exist before we find purpose. This means that we are born without any inherent purpose, and it is up to us to find our own purpose. As Sartre put it, “We are condemned to be free,” implying that while we have the ultimate freedom to craft our future, this freedom also comes with the burden of choice. For some, this is an daunting investment philosophy concept, but for existentialists, it’s an encouragement to accept life’s difficulties and live authentically, without being constrained by societal expectations.

This philosophy invites us to embrace the power of choice, to accept life’s irrationalities with bravery, and to find meaning 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.