What Is the Main Idea of Existentialism?

//

Diego Sanchez

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that originated in the 19th century, but it gained popularity in the mid-20th century. The main idea of existentialism is to find meaning and purpose in our lives, even though there may be no inherent meaning or purpose to existence itself.

What Is Existentialism?

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom and choice. It holds that human beings are responsible for creating their own values and determining their own purpose in life. Existentialists believe that life has no inherent meaning or purpose, and that we must create our own meaning through our actions.

The Key Ideas of Existentialism

Existentialism is a complex philosophy with many different ideas, but some of its key concepts include:

  • Existence precedes essence: This means that we exist first and then create our own essence or meaning through our choices and actions.
  • Authenticity: This concept emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and living an authentic life.
  • Freedom: Existentialists believe that we have complete freedom to make our own choices, but with this freedom comes responsibility for the consequences of those choices.
  • Anxiety: The realization of our freedom can lead to anxiety as we confront the responsibility of making choices without any predetermined path.

The Main Idea of Existentialism

The main idea of existentialism is to find meaning and purpose in life despite the fact that life may have no inherent meaning or purpose. This can be accomplished by embracing our individual freedom and taking responsibility for our choices.

One way to do this is by living an authentic life. Authenticity involves being true to oneself and not conforming to societal expectations or norms that may not align with our values. This can be challenging, as it requires us to confront our fears and take risks in order to pursue what we truly desire.

Another way to find meaning in life is through personal relationships and connections with others. Existentialists believe that we are not isolated individuals, but rather social beings who are interconnected with each other. By forming meaningful relationships with others, we can find purpose and fulfillment in life.

Conclusion

Existentialism is a complex philosophy that emphasizes individual freedom, authenticity, and personal responsibility. The main idea of existentialism is to find meaning and purpose in life despite the fact that there may be no inherent meaning or purpose to existence itself. By embracing our individual freedom and taking responsibility for our choices, we can create our own values and determine our own purpose in life.