Existentialism

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, centering on individual freedom, choice, and the search for meaning in life. It stands out for its focus on the subjective human experience rather than universal truths, marking a fundamental shift in philosophical thought. At its core, existentialism addresses questions about existence, purpose, and the human condition, often grappling with themes like anxiety, absurdity, alienation, and authenticity.

The roots of existentialism are often traced back to Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche. Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher and theologian, is widely regarded as the “father of existentialism.” He challenged the institutionalized thinking of his time by emphasizing personal faith, ethical responsibility, and the necessity of individual choice. Kierkegaard introduced the concept of the “leap of faith” as a way to confront the uncertainty and paradox of human existence. Nietzsche, a German philosopher, built on this groundwork by proclaiming the “death of God” and advocating for the creation of new values in the absence of absolute moral structures. His ideas about the “will to power” and the “Übermensch” (or “overman”) showcased a vision of overcoming existential despair through self-assertion and creative reinvention.

While Kierkegaard and Nietzsche laid the groundwork, existentialism as a movement gained true momentum in the 20th century. The horrors of two World Wars, economic uncertainty, and rapid modernization set a cultural and intellectual backdrop for existential questions to resurface. Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir became two of the most prominent existentialist thinkers of this period. Sartre’s phrase “existence precedes essence” encapsulates much of existentialist thought, suggesting that humans are not born with predetermined purposes but must create their own lives and values through choices. His works, including “Being and Nothingness” and the play “No Exit,” explored themes like freedom, responsibility, and the weight of decision-making. Meanwhile, de Beauvoir, who is also closely associated with feminist philosophy, addressed existentialist themes through her seminal work “The Second Sex,” emphasizing how societal structures shape women’s freedom and identity.

Albert Camus, often seen as an existentialist, approached similar themes but preferred to label himself an “absurdist.” He explored the tension between humanity’s search for meaning and the lack of meaning in an indifferent universe. Works like “The Myth of Sisyphus” and “The Stranger” grapple with what it means to live authentically in the face of life’s absurdity, advocating for rebellion and resilience rather than despair.

Existentialist ideas extended beyond philosophy and spilled over into literature, art, and psychology. Writers like Franz Kafka and Fyodor Dostoevsky predated the existentialist label but are often cited as expressing its central concerns. Kafka’s works, such as “The Trial” and “The Metamorphosis,” bring to life feelings of alienation and the absurdity of modern life. Dostoevsky’s novels, particularly “Notes from Underground” and “Crime and Punishment,” examine the complexity of free will and moral choice.

Existentialism also influenced broader disciplines such as art and psychology. Expressionist artists used surreal and emotive forms to comment on the human condition, while existentialist ideas informed psychotherapy, particularly through figures like Viktor Frankl, who founded logotherapy. Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, emphasized finding meaning even in suffering as a way to confront existential crises.

By the mid-20th century, existentialism began to wane as a dominant philosophical movement, giving way to postmodernism and structuralism. However, its core ideas remain relevant, addressing timeless questions about the nature of freedom, meaning, and human existence. Whether through philosophy, art, or modern existential psychology, the legacy of existentialism continues to resonate in a world that still grapples with uncertainty and the search for purpose.