Existentialist thought is one of the most fascinating and influential schools of thought of the last century. It asks the most fundamental of life’s questions: How do we define existence? Can we discover purpose in a meaningless universe? Thinkers like Sartre, de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus have examined these complex concepts, offering us with important perspectives into how we can navigate the complexities of human existence in a world without predefined purpose.
At the heart of existentialist thought is the idea that existence precedes essence. This means that we are born without any intrinsic value, and it is up to us to determine our life's significance. Sartre famously said, “We are condemned to be free,” indicating 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 invitation to embrace life’s challenges and live authentically, without being limited by social norms.
This philosophy invites 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 creativity, human connections, or simply the daily experience of life. While life may not have a higher, predefined purpose, existential thought reminds us philosophy 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.