What is it?
Existentialism is a philosophy of human nature that affirms that individuals have the capacity to choose how their lives will unfold. It places a stronger emphasis on each person’s obligation to create meaning rather than depending on religion or a higher authority to tell them what is morally correct or significant.
Existentialists believe that each ones life is unique and varies depending on the individual. Each person creates their own unique existence through their own free willed choices and through these choices they choose to pursue their own meaning in a life with no meaning.
Father of Existentialism
The origins of existential theory can be traced to the early 19th century, when Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard became the first to investigate the concept of existentialism. He’s frequently referred to as the founder of existentialist.
He believed that individuals must give meaning to their own lives rather than receiving it from society or religion. Kierkegaard additionally focused on human emotion, particularly the anxiety that comes with making choices and discovering meaning and value in life.
My thoughts on Existentialism
Personally I’m very interested in existentialism, the idea of taking full responsibility for your essence of life is exciting. I feel a sense of freedom when thinking about these beliefs since an aspect of existentialism is to lessen the burden of anxiety.
Ive also read some philosophical books by famous existentialist philosophers, this including the ‘Notes From The Underground‘ by Fyodor Dostoyevsky and ‘Beyond Good and Evil‘ by Friedrich Nietzsche who have given me plenty to contemplate and understand.