What Is Despair in Existentialism?

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Martha Robinson

Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It asserts that individuals are responsible for creating their own meaning in life, rather than seeking it from external sources such as religion or societal norms. However, this freedom and responsibility can often lead to feelings of despair.

Despair, in existentialism, refers to the feeling of hopelessness and meaninglessness that arises when individuals confront the ultimate questions of existence. It is not a fleeting emotion but rather a pervasive state of being that can be difficult to escape.

At its core, despair arises from the recognition that life has no inherent meaning or purpose. This realization is often accompanied by an intense sense of isolation and alienation from others. The individual may feel as though they are adrift in an indifferent universe with no anchor to hold onto.

One way in which individuals may attempt to cope with despair is by seeking external validation or distraction. This can take many forms, such as pursuing wealth or fame, engaging in hedonistic behavior such as drug use or promiscuity, or immersing oneself in religious or political ideologies.

However, these attempts at distraction ultimately prove futile in the face of despair. The individual remains trapped within their own subjective experience and unable to find any objective meaning or purpose in life.

In order to overcome despair, existentialists argue that individuals must confront it head-on and embrace their own freedom and responsibility. This means accepting the ultimate responsibility for creating one’s own meaning in life and rejecting external sources of validation.

This process can be difficult and painful but ultimately leads to a sense of authenticity and self-realization. By embracing our own mortality and limitations, we are able to live more fully and authentically in the present moment.

In conclusion, despair is an integral part of the human experience within existentialism. It arises from the recognition that life has no inherent meaning or purpose but can ultimately be overcome through acceptance of our own freedom and responsibility. By embracing our own mortality and limitations, we are able to find meaning and purpose in our lives and live more fully in the present moment.