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? How do we find purpose in an indifferent universe? Philosophers like Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus have investigated these profound ideas, providing us with valuable insights into how we can understand the struggles of human life in a world without predetermined meaning.
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 find our own purpose. In Sartre's words, “We are condemned to be free,” implying that while we have the ultimate freedom to philosophy craft our future, this freedom also comes with the challenge of responsibility. For some, this is an daunting concept, but for existentialists, 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 larger, inherent meaning, this philosophy reminds us that 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.