Existentialism: A Philosophy of Meaning
Existentialism is a philosophical movement that asks the big questions about life, like “What’s the deal with the meaning of life?”, “Why are we here?”, and “What’s the point of existing?” Basically, it’s all about how we create meaning in life and how we deal with the uncertainty of existence.
Existentialists believe in something called “existential anxiety,” which is that feeling of “WTF?!” that comes from realizing we’re responsible for making our own meaning in life. But they also think this anxiety is a normal part of the human experience and something we have to face to live an authentic and meaningful life.
Another key concept in existentialism is “authenticity,” or being true to ourselves and living according to our values and beliefs. Existentialists believe this is the only way to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.
One of the main figures in existentialism was Jean-Paul Sartre, who said that we’re “condemned to be free.” Translation: we’re all responsible for our own actions and choices, and we can’t escape that responsibility. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s a big part of the existentialist mindset.
Existentialism has had a huge influence on art, literature, and pop culture, and it’s still a relevant and thought-provoking philosophy today. Whether you’re dealing with existential anxiety or just wondering what it all means, exploring existentialism can be a dope and enriching experience.
Anurag Madan 