Existentialism is one of the most intriguing and influential schools of thought of the 20th century. It poses the most fundamental of life’s questions: How do we define existence? Where do we find meaning in a purposeless world? Key figures like Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus have examined these deep questions, providing us with important perspectives into how we can deal with the challenges of existence in a world without predefined purpose.
At the heart of this philosophy 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 create meaning in our lives. Sartre famously said, “We are condemned to be free,” suggesting that while we have the total liberty to determine our path, this freedom also comes with the weight of responsibility. For some, this is an overwhelming thought, but for those who follow existentialist thought, it’s an encouragement to accept life’s difficulties and live authentically, without being limited by social norms.
This philosophy challenges us to embrace the power of choice, to face life’s absurdities with courage, and to find meaning in the things we do, whether it’s through artistic expression, human connections, or simply the daily experience of life. While life may not have a higher, predefined purpose, this philosophy reminds us that philosophy we have the freedom to craft our own significance. And in doing so, we can achieve deeply meaningful lives, even in the face of life’s unknowns.