What Is Existentialism?

Have you ever found yourself pondering the big questions in life—Why am I here? What’s the point of it all? If so, you’ve already dipped your toes into the waters of existentialism, a philosophical movement that wrestles with the meaning, freedom, and individuality of human existence. In this article, we’ll explore the core ideas of existentialism, its key thinkers, and why it remains a powerful lens for understanding our place in the universe. Let’s dive into this thought-provoking philosophy and see how it might just change the way you view your own life.

The Core of Existentialism: Freedom and Meaning

At its heart, existentialism is about the individual’s struggle to find meaning in a world that often seems indifferent or absurd. Unlike other philosophies that might look to religion, science, or societal norms for answers, existentialism places the responsibility squarely on the individual. It argues that life doesn’t come with a pre-packaged purpose; instead, we must create our own meaning through our choices and actions.

One of the central ideas of existentialism is the concept of freedom. Existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre famously declared that “existence precedes essence,” meaning that we are born without a predetermined purpose or nature. We are free to define who we are through the decisions we make. This freedom, however, comes with a catch—it can be both exhilarating and terrifying. Sartre called this feeling “angst” or “dread,” the anxiety that arises when we realize there’s no cosmic rulebook to guide us. We are, in his words, “condemned to be free.”

Another key theme is the idea of the absurd, a concept popularized by Albert Camus. The absurd arises from the conflict between our desire for meaning and the universe’s apparent indifference to our existence. Camus didn’t see this as a reason to despair, though. Instead, he encouraged us to embrace the absurd, to live passionately and authentically in spite of it. His famous work, The Myth of Sisyphus, uses the Greek myth of a man endlessly rolling a boulder up a hill as a metaphor for life: even if our efforts seem futile, we can find fulfillment in the act of striving.

Key Figures in Existentialism

Existentialism isn’t a monolithic philosophy; it’s a diverse movement shaped by many brilliant minds. While Sartre and Camus are often the poster children of existentialism, the roots of the philosophy can be traced back to the 19th century with Søren Kierkegaard, often called the “father of existentialism.” Kierkegaard emphasized the importance of individual faith and the “leap of faith” required to find personal meaning in a world full of uncertainty. His work focused on the tension between despair and the search for authentic selfhood.

Friedrich Nietzsche, another early influence, challenged traditional morality and declared that “God is dead,” meaning that old religious and cultural values no longer held sway in the modern world. Nietzsche urged individuals to create their own values and become the “Übermensch” (often translated as “overman” or “superman”), a person who rises above conventional norms to forge their own path.

In the 20th century, Sartre and Camus brought existentialism into the mainstream. Sartre’s works, like Being and Nothingness, explored the nature of consciousness and freedom, while his plays and novels, such as No Exit, dramatized existential themes. Camus, on the other hand, offered a more accessible take on existentialism through his novels like The Stranger and essays like The Rebel, focusing on how we can live meaningfully in an absurd world.

Why Existentialism Matters Today

So, why should we care about a philosophy that can sometimes feel heavy or even bleak? Existentialism matters because it speaks directly to the human condition—our longing for purpose, our fear of insignificance, and our desire to live authentically. In a world increasingly dominated by technology, social media, and external expectations, existentialism reminds us to step back and ask: Am I living the life I truly want? Am I making choices that reflect who I am, or am I just following the crowd?

Existentialism also offers a kind of radical empowerment. By rejecting the idea that meaning is handed to us, it challenges us to take ownership of our lives. Every decision, no matter how small, becomes an act of self-creation. This can be daunting, but it’s also liberating. You are the author of your own story—how will you write it?

Moreover, existentialist ideas resonate in today’s cultural landscape. From movies like The Matrix, which questions reality and free will, to music and literature that grapple with alienation and identity, the influence of existentialism is everywhere. It’s a philosophy that doesn’t just belong in dusty textbooks; it’s a living, breathing framework for navigating the complexities of modern life.