Existentialism is one of the most intriguing and influential philosophical movements of the 20th century. It poses the most fundamental of life’s questions: What is the meaning of existence? Can we discover purpose in a meaningless universe? Thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus have examined these complex concepts, presenting us with unique insights 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 are born without inherent meaning. 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 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 encouragement to accept life’s difficulties and pursue a life of authenticity, without being held back by the opinions of others.
Existentialist thought challenges us to embrace the power of choice, to accept life’s irrationalities with bravery, and to create significance in the philosophy things we choose, whether it’s through innovative endeavors, human connections, or simply the daily experience of life. While life may not have a higher, predefined purpose, existential thought reminds us that we have the power to create our own purpose. And in doing so, we can live lives that are deeply fulfilling, even in the face of life’s unknowns.