Developing a personal philosophy of life is a meaningful and complex process, and one concept that often arises in this exploration is the idea that “existence precedes essence.” While many may have encountered this term in relation to Existentialism, its full significance is not always clear. Understanding this concept is crucial, as it can profoundly influence how we shape and interpret our own philosophy of life. This article will examine the principles of Existentialism, the meaning behind “existence precedes essence,” and the ways in which these ideas can inform and enrich our personal perspectives.
Key features of Existentialism
Existentialism is a philosophical movement that focuses on individual freedom, choice, and the search for meaning in life. At its core, it emphasizes that humans are responsible for defining their own purpose and values in a world that doesn’t provide inherent meaning. Existentialists believe that life is shaped by the decisions people make and the challenges they face in creating their own identity.
A central concept within existentialism is the idea of free will, which suggests that individuals are free to make choices, even though those choices can lead to uncertainty and anxiety. This sense of freedom often comes with a responsibility to act authentically and remain true to oneself, rather than following societal norms blindly. Another key idea is the confrontation with “the absurd,” which is the conflict between humanity’s desire to find reason in life and the universe’s apparent lack of inherent purpose.
Existentialism often encourages reflection and self-awareness, urging individuals to think deeply about their actions, beliefs, and relationships. Thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Søren Kierkegaard explored themes of authenticity, faith, and the struggle to overcome despair. Overall, existentialism sees life as an open canvas, where each person has the power to create meaning despite the obstacles life may present. This philosophy invites people to live passionately and purposefully, even in the face of uncertainty.
What is “existence precedes essence”?
Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and responsibility. A central concept within existentialism is the idea that “existence precedes essence.” This means that humans are not born with a predetermined purpose or nature. Instead, people create their own essence—or identity—through the choices they make and how they live their lives.
According to this idea, humans first exist as conscious beings, and it is only through their actions and decisions that they define who they are. This contrasts with the belief that people are born with a fixed essence or role that determines their purpose in life. Existentialism holds that individuals have the freedom to shape their essence based on their experiences, values, and actions.
This view places significant emphasis on personal responsibility. Since individuals are not bound by a predetermined essence, they are accountable for defining their own lives. Every decision and action contributes to building their identity and determines the meaning they find in their existence. By focusing on this process, existentialism highlights the unique role of human agency in shaping one’s life.
This example helps to demonstrate this philosophical perspective. Imagine a young artist who struggles to find their unique voice. Rather than being born with a predefined purpose or essence, they discover who they are through the choices they make and the path they create. At first, they may feel uncertain, experimenting with various styles and mediums, but each decision shapes their identity. Perhaps they choose to paint vivid, abstract works that reflect intense emotions, or they might explore serene landscapes that evoke calm and connection. Over time, the artist realizes that there is no predefined essence dictating who they are meant to be—their existence itself is the foundation for creating meaning in their life. This example highlights how personal actions and decisions actively shape one’s identity and sense of purpose, rather than relying on any inherent essence.
Challenges to Existentialism’s view that existence precedes essence
Philosophers who object to or reject Existentialism’s claim that existence precedes essence often do so for various reasons tied to metaphysics, morality, and the nature of human identity. One key objection comes from those who believe in the idea of an inherent or universal human nature. These critics argue that certain qualities, purposes, or essences must exist before individuals are born, shaping who they are and what they can achieve. For example, in religious frameworks, some philosophers suggest that humans are created with a specific purpose or divine plan, meaning essence is present before existence.
Another reason for rejection stems from concerns about moral relativism. Existentialism’s focus on individual choice and self-defined meaning can be unsettling to those who believe in objective moral truths. Critics worry that if essence is not predefined and individuals are free to create their values, it could lead to chaos or a breakdown of shared ethics. For these philosophers, a universal human essence acts as the foundation for consistent moral standards that transcend personal interpretations.
Traditional metaphysicians also raise objections because existentialist ideas challenge deeply rooted philosophical traditions. If existence comes before essence, this suggests a significant break from classical views that emphasize stability, structure, and order in the universe. Philosophers in this camp argue that rejecting preexisting essences undermines the understanding of the human condition as something measurable and predictable within a broader system.
Lastly, some critics reject the existentialist perspective because they believe it places too much emphasis on individual freedom and responsibility. They argue that external forces—cultural norms, biology, social systems—play a larger role in shaping individuals than existentialism admits. These critics point out that if such powerful factors exist, then essence might not be entirely absent before existence, as these societal influences help define people well before they begin defining themselves.
Overall, objections to existentialist views about essence and existence arise from differing beliefs about human nature, morality, and the role of external forces in shaping our lives. These critiques highlight the complexities of philosophical debates and underscore the challenges of defining what it truly means to live and exist.
Why “existence precedes essence” is important to Existentialism
These are some of the primary reasons why grasping the concept of existence preceding essence is crucial to comprehending Existentialism.
- Encourages Individual Responsibility
The idea that existence precedes essence emphasizes that individuals are responsible for defining their own essence or purpose. Instead of being constrained by predetermined qualities or roles, this encourages people to create meaning through their choices, actions, and experiences. This perspective places the burden of crafting a fulfilling life on the individual, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and conscious decision-making. It encourages people to take ownership of their lives, confront challenges head-on, and avoid blaming external forces or fate for their circumstances. By promoting responsibility, this idea ultimately empowers individuals to live authentically and pursue their own ideals.
- Stresses Freedom of Choice
Freedom is a central component of the belief that existence precedes essence. This concept underscores that, because individuals are not defined by a fixed essence, they are free to make choices about who they want to become. While this freedom can be overwhelming and lead to uncertainty, it also offers profound opportunities for growth and self-expression. Freedom of choice allows each person to explore their interests, values, and desires without being confined by societal expectations or traditional norms. This reinforces the power of personal agency and helps people recognize that their decisions shape their identity and future.
- Highlights the Weight of Decisions
When existence precedes essence, every choice carries significance. Since individuals are responsible for defining themselves through their actions, each decision contributes to the person they become. This notion presses people to reflect deeply on the impact of their choices, fostering a sense of accountability not only to themselves but also to others. It encourages thoughtful consideration of one’s values and the courage to stand by their decisions, even when faced with challenges. By emphasizing the importance of decision-making, this idea also invites individuals to live with purpose and intentionality.
Contrasting Existentialism with Thomas Hobbes
Existentialism’s idea that “existence precedes essence” sets it apart from the philosophy of Thomas Hobbes in a fundamental way. For existentialists, individuals are born without a predetermined purpose or identity, and it is through their actions and choices that they define who they are. This contrasts with Hobbes’ view of human nature, which is foundational to his philosophy. Hobbes believed that humans are naturally driven by self-interest and a desire to avoid pain and seek pleasure. For him, this innate nature is a key part of why societies form and why structures like governments are necessary to maintain peace in the “state of nature,” which he famously described as “nasty, brutish, and short.”
The existentialist perspective does not rely on any fixed, inherent human nature as Hobbes does. Instead, it focuses on the freedom and responsibility of the individual to create their essence through choices, regardless of external systems or assumptions about human behavior. Hobbes, on the other hand, suggests that human nature is a fixed starting point, one which society must address to prevent chaos. This difference highlights the tension between Hobbes’ more deterministic view of human behavior and existentialism’s emphasis on individual freedom and self-creation. Thus, while Hobbes’ work is grounded in an essentialist view of humanity, existentialism challenges the very notion of an essential human nature, encouraging individuals to forge their own path.
Existence Precedes Essence, Existentialism and the philosophy of life
Reflecting on the idea that “existence precedes essence”—whether you agree with it or not—has immense practical value for shaping your philosophy of life. This concept challenges you to consider how much control you truly have over crafting your identity and purpose. Even if you don’t align with Existentialism, thinking critically about these ideas pushes you to take ownership of your choices and actions, encouraging you to lead a more intentional life. It invites you to consider what drives you, how you define success, and how you interact with the world around you.
Taking time to reflect on this perspective can be empowering. If existence indeed precedes essence, it suggests that who you are and what you become are in your hands. This reminds you of the importance of commitment, self-reflection, and action in building a meaningful life, no matter your background or circumstances. At the same time, if you disagree with this view, it still raises valuable questions about how external influences, such as culture, family, or innate traits, shape your sense of self. Wrestling with these ideas helps you clarify your values and beliefs.
On a practical level, reflecting on this philosophical lens can challenge you to take responsibility for your goals and decisions. If you are the one giving your life its meaning, what steps are you taking to live in alignment with your ideals? This process encourages self-empowerment and accountability, while also teaching you to handle uncertainty with grace. Contemplating the relationship between your existence and your essence provides an opportunity to dismiss excuses or societal expectations that no longer serve you, driving you toward authenticity and growth.
Ultimately, whether or not you agree with the Existentialist perspective, the act of engaging with it forces you to ask big questions about life, purpose, and freedom. These reflections help you identify what matters most to you and guide you toward living with intention. Developing your own philosophy of life requires confronting different perspectives, and this one offers a powerful framework to examine how you want to approach your existence and the legacy you leave behind.
Further reading
Beauvoir, S. de. (1948). The ethics of ambiguity (B. Frechtman, Trans.). Philosophical Library.
Heidegger, M. (1962). Being and time (J. Macquarrie & E. Robinson, Trans.). Harper & Row.
Kierkegaard, S. (1989). The sickness unto death (A. Hannay, Trans.). Penguin Classics.
Marino, G. (2004). Basic writings of existentialism. Modern Library.
Sartre, J.-P. (1956). Being and nothingness (H. E. Barnes, Trans.). Philosophical Library.
Sartre, J.-P. (2007). Existentialism is a humanism (C. Macomber, Trans.). Yale University Press.
Solomon, R. C. (2005). Existentialism. Oxford University Press.
Warnock, M. (1970). Existentialism. Oxford University Press.
West, D. (2010). An introduction to continental philosophy. Polity Press.
Witt, D. (2018). The search for meaning: The philosophy of existentialism. Routledge.