At some point in life, almost everyone grapples with profound questions about existence. We ponder the meaning of life, wrestle with its fleeting nature, and confront fears of misfortune. We endure stress from life’s battles, experience unexplained loneliness, and agonize over the weight of past and future choices, often accompanied by a vague sense of guilt. These deeply human experiences belong to the realm of existentialism, a philosophy that invites us to explore and embrace the essence of our humanity.

By delving into existentialism, we can better understand these states of being, transforming anxiety and uncertainty into a deeper appreciation for life’s creative potential. Let’s explore this powerful philosophy and its insights into self-awareness, freedom, and existence.

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The Core of Existentialism: A Philosophy of Being

Existentialism is more than a philosophy; it is a framework for understanding human dignity and self-definition. At its heart lies the concept of existence. Jean-Paul Sartre, one of existentialism’s leading thinkers, described existence as the lived experience of an individual in the present moment. In his seminal work, “Existentialism Is a Humanism”, Sartre argued that human life is defined not by predetermined essence but by the choices we make in freedom and creativity.

Existentialism arose in opposition to the rationalism of the Enlightenment, which often drew rigid distinctions between the internal and external worlds. Instead, existentialism seeks to reconcile these two realms, proposing the existence of a third, shared world—a common ground where individual freedom and collective connection intersect. This idea was explored by thinkers like Martin Heidegger, who described existence as the bridge between inner experience and the external environment, a dynamic process of becoming.

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Key Concepts of Existentialism

1. Existence Precedes Essence

At its core, existentialism asserts that existence precedes essence. This means that individuals are not defined by inherent traits or societal roles but by their lived experiences and choices. Essence—our identity and self-concept—emerges as we interact with the world and assimilate the lessons of our actions.

2. Being and Nothingness

Existentialism also wrestles with the duality of being and nothingness. Sartre introduced the idea of “nothingness” as the absence or negation within existence, a void that compels individuals to confront their freedom and responsibility. This tension drives the search for meaning, even in an absurd or indifferent universe.

3. Freedom and Responsibility

With freedom comes responsibility—a recurring theme in existentialist thought. Sartre argued that true freedom requires acknowledgment of one’s responsibility, not just for oneself but for others. As Albert Camus famously wrote, “I can only get my freedom if I get it for others.”

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Bridging the Gap: From Perception to Action

To understand how existentialism navigates these concepts, consider Heidegger’s notion of Dasein—“being there.” Dasein represents the individual in the here and now, conscious of their existence and capable of self-reflection. According to Heidegger, individuals come to know themselves through interaction with the boundless external world, a process that often evokes anxiety and fear.

This anxiety stems from the challenge of finding personal boundaries in an infinite universe. By recognizing and defining these boundaries, individuals gain clarity about who they are. Perception, Heidegger argued, is inherently projective; the world appears daunting and boundless when we lack self-awareness and fail to establish a connection with others. Through self-knowledge and active engagement, we can alleviate this anxiety and take meaningful action.

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Gestalt Therapy: A Practical Parallel

Existential ideas resonate strongly in Gestalt therapy, which describes a “contact cycle” of human interaction with the environment. This cycle begins with discomfort, evolves into awareness of needs, and culminates in action and assimilation of experience. This process mirrors the existential journey, emphasizing the importance of being present, recognizing one’s feelings, and integrating them into a coherent sense of self.

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Freedom and Guilt in Myth and Philosophy

Existentialist thinkers often turned to ancient mythology to explore timeless human struggles. Sartre’s play “The Flies”reimagines the Greek myth of Orestes, whose torment by vengeful Erinyes (flies) symbolizes unresolved guilt and self-doubt. Sartre interprets these “flies” as existential reminders of the individual’s responsibility for their choices. In contrast, Orestes’ sister Electra, who accepts her guilt and responsibility, is freed from their torment.

This theme reflects existentialism’s focus on freedom as an act of conscious choice. Through self-awareness and accountability, individuals liberate themselves—and others—from existential burdens, creating meaning in an otherwise indifferent world.

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The Modern World and the Loss of Meaning

Existentialism gained prominence in the 20th century, a period marked by upheaval and disillusionment. As traditional values eroded and scientific advancements distanced humanity from spiritual perspectives, people felt “thrown into the world,” to use Heidegger’s phrase. This alienation underscored the existential challenge of finding meaning in a fragmented, often impersonal world.

The solution, according to existentialism, lies in returning to words, dialogue, and connection. By engaging in meaningful communication with others, we restore humanity’s central role in perception and understanding.

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Embracing the Existential Journey

Existentialism invites us to confront life’s uncertainties and contradictions with courage and creativity. It challenges us to accept responsibility for our freedom, recognize our shared humanity, and forge meaningful connections in an expansive, unpredictable world.

As Sartre, Camus, and Heidegger emphasized, the journey of self-discovery is both individual and collective. By exploring our boundaries and embracing our potential, we can transform existential anxiety into a deeper, more fulfilling engagement with life. In the words of Sartre, “Man is condemned to be free,” but in this freedom lies the opportunity to define ourselves and contribute to the world around us.