How To Engage with Existentialism

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and responsibility. It concerns itself with the search for meaning in a world that may seem devoid of inherent purpose. Its core tenets address the complexities of human existence, where individuals must confront issues such as anxiety, freedom, death, and the meaning of life. Engaging with existentialism can be an enriching intellectual journey, offering both profound insights and practical guidance for living authentically. This article explores how to engage with existentialism by examining its key ideas, influential thinkers, and practical applications.

What Is Existentialism?

Existentialism emerged in the 20th century, influenced by philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche. It gained prominence in the works of Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus, and others. At its core, existentialism argues that existence precedes essence, meaning that humans are not born with a predetermined nature or purpose. Instead, individuals must create their own meaning through their actions and choices.

The key themes of existentialism include:

• Freedom: Humans are free to make their own choices and create their own destiny, but this freedom comes with responsibility and the burden of facing the consequences of those choices.
• Anxiety: The awareness of our freedom and the responsibility it entails can lead to existential anxiety or dread, particularly when faced with life's uncertainties and the inevitable reality of death.
• Authenticity: To live authentically means to live in accordance with one's true self, rather than conforming to societal expectations or living in bad faith (self-deception).
• Absurdity: The world is often experienced as absurd, with no inherent meaning or order. This idea was famously explored by Camus, who posited that humans must confront the absurd and find meaning despite it.
• Death: Existentialists often focus on death as a defining aspect of human existence, encouraging individuals to live with an awareness of their mortality in order to live more fully.

Engaging with the Philosophy: A Step-by-Step Approach

1. Study the Foundational Texts

To engage deeply with existentialism, one must begin by studying the works of its foundational thinkers. Their writings provide the conceptual framework that shapes existentialist thought. Here are some key texts to consider:

Søren Kierkegaard - "Fear and Trembling"

Kierkegaard is often regarded as the father of existentialism. In "Fear and Trembling," he examines the nature of faith, individuality, and the "leap of faith" required to find meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. His exploration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac is central to his discussion of faith and existential anxiety.

Friedrich Nietzsche - "Thus Spoke Zarathustra"

Nietzsche's exploration of the "Übermensch" (Overman) and his critique of traditional morality are key to existentialist thought. "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" is a philosophical novel that challenges conventional ideas of good and evil, urging individuals to create their own values in a world without inherent meaning. His concept of "eternal recurrence" and the "will to power" are essential ideas for understanding the existential emphasis on self-overcoming.

Jean-Paul Sartre - "Being and Nothingness"

Sartre's most influential work, "Being and Nothingness," delves into the concepts of consciousness, freedom, and bad faith. Sartre argues that humans are condemned to be free, and that we must take full responsibility for our actions. This freedom can be both liberating and terrifying, leading to existential anxiety.

Simone de Beauvoir - "The Second Sex"

De Beauvoir, a key figure in existentialism and feminism, examines how women have historically been defined as the "Other" in relation to men. In "The Second Sex," she explores how existentialist principles can be applied to gender, arguing that women, like all individuals, must take responsibility for their own existence and fight against the limitations imposed by society.

Albert Camus - "The Myth of Sisyphus"

Camus addresses the concept of the absurd in his essay "The Myth of Sisyphus." He examines how humans, in their search for meaning, must confront the futility of existence. Camus proposes that one must embrace the absurdity of life and continue living with passion and defiance, despite the lack of inherent meaning.

Martin Heidegger - "Being and Time"

While not always classified strictly as an existentialist, Heidegger's philosophy heavily influenced the movement. "Being and Time" addresses the nature of being, the concept of "being-toward-death," and how humans can live authentically by confronting their mortality. Heidegger's exploration of "thrownness" (being thrust into existence without consent) and "being-with-others" are fundamental to existentialist thought.

2. Understand the Core Themes

To truly engage with existentialism, it's important to grasp its central themes, which challenge conventional ways of thinking about the world. These themes provide a lens through which one can explore personal identity, meaning, and the human condition.

The Absurd

The absurd is a central idea in existentialism, especially in the works of Camus. It refers to the conflict between humans' desire for meaning and the universe's indifference to that desire. In "The Myth of Sisyphus," Camus uses the figure of Sisyphus, condemned to roll a boulder up a hill only for it to roll back down, as a metaphor for human existence. Despite the absurdity of his task, Sisyphus persists, symbolizing how humans must continue living in spite of life's inherent meaninglessness.

Authenticity and Bad Faith

Authenticity is a key existentialist value. To live authentically means to act in accordance with one's true self, rather than conforming to societal norms or playing a role that one does not truly believe in. Sartre's concept of "bad faith" describes the tendency to deceive oneself in order to avoid facing the anxiety that comes with freedom and responsibility. Living in bad faith means failing to embrace one's full freedom and instead hiding behind roles, excuses, or societal expectations.

Freedom and Responsibility

Existentialism emphasizes the importance of freedom---both as an opportunity and a burden. Humans are free to make choices, but this freedom comes with the responsibility to create meaning and live with the consequences of one's actions. Sartre famously said, "Man is condemned to be free," meaning that freedom cannot be avoided, and it requires individuals to take full responsibility for their lives.

Death and Mortality

Existentialist thinkers frequently turn to death as a defining feature of human existence. Heidegger's concept of "being-toward-death" suggests that an awareness of one's mortality is crucial for living authentically. By confronting death, one can understand the transient nature of existence and live more meaningfully in the present. The existentialist embrace of death isn't morbid but rather a call to fully experience life in the time one has.

3. Engage with the Practical Implications

Existentialism isn't just a theoretical framework; it offers practical guidance for living a more authentic life. By engaging with existentialism, individuals can learn how to confront the complexities of existence and make more deliberate choices.

Embrace Freedom and Responsibility

Existentialism encourages individuals to embrace their freedom, despite its inherent anxiety. This means recognizing that we are responsible for creating our own meaning and values, rather than relying on external authorities or societal norms. Engaging with existentialism involves accepting the weight of this responsibility and acting in accordance with one's true desires, rather than seeking comfort in pre-established roles.

Confront Existential Anxiety

Existential anxiety, or dread, arises from the awareness of our freedom, mortality, and the inherent uncertainty of existence. While this anxiety can be overwhelming, existentialism suggests that it is something to be confronted, not avoided. By acknowledging the anxiety that comes with freedom and mortality, one can move toward living a more authentic and meaningful life.

Cultivate Authenticity

Living authentically means being true to oneself and resisting the pressures to conform to societal expectations. This involves asking deep questions about one's values, desires, and goals, and making choices that align with one's true self. It requires an ongoing process of self-examination and a commitment to living with integrity, even in the face of external pressures.

Embrace the Absurd

The absurdity of existence---life's lack of inherent meaning---can be a source of existential despair. However, Camus suggests that rather than succumbing to nihilism, individuals should embrace the absurd. By accepting life's meaninglessness, one can find freedom and joy in the act of living itself, choosing to live passionately and defy the absurdity of existence.

4. Integrate Existentialist Ideas into Your Life

Finally, to truly engage with existentialism, it's important to apply its principles to your daily life. Here are some practical steps for integrating existentialist ideas into your personal experience:

• Live Deliberately: Make conscious choices rather than drifting through life on autopilot. Question your assumptions and motivations, and strive to align your actions with your true desires and values.
• Face Your Mortality: Reflect on the finite nature of your life. Use this awareness to prioritize what truly matters and to live in the present moment.
• Accept Anxiety as Part of Life: Don't shy away from the anxiety that comes with freedom, uncertainty, and mortality. Embrace it as part of the human experience, and use it to fuel a deeper engagement with life.
• Seek Meaning in Your Own Way: Reject the idea that meaning must come from external sources. Create your own purpose through the choices you make and the relationships you cultivate.

Conclusion

Engaging with existentialism is a profound and transformative process that encourages individuals to confront the complexities of existence head-on. It challenges us to embrace freedom and responsibility, confront anxiety, live authentically, and accept the absurdity of life. Through the study of existentialist thinkers and the application of their ideas to our own lives, we can navigate the human condition with greater depth and awareness. Ultimately, existentialism offers not only a philosophy but also a way of life---one that invites us to live fully, with purpose and passion, despite the uncertainties and challenges that exist.

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