Existentialism is a philosophy and mindset that prioritizes freedom of choice and responsibility. Existentialists believe that life has no particular meaning. So, everyone is free to determine the meaning of life according to their respective opinions.
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Part 1 of 3: Understanding Existentialism
Step 1. Know the history of existentialism
Existentialism is a philosophical movement that was born in a certain historical context and the spread of existentialism in today's culture can be studied by knowing the motives for the development of this school.
Existentialism grew and developed in Europe between 1940-1950 in the post-war situation. At that time, many people felt disappointed with religious and social organizations that made them seem to lose the meaning or purpose of life
Step 2. Read various sources of information
Just like other branches of philosophy, existentialism developed through the writings of several famous philosophers. Start by reading the writings of Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, and Albert Camus.
- Jean-Paul Sartre explained the philosophy of existentialism by writing the short story “The Wall” which you can read at https://faculty.risd.edu/dkeefer/pod/wall.pdf (in English) for free.
- Many of Simone de Beauvoir's writings are useful, such as "The Second Sex: Women's Life" which criticizes gender differences in people's lives so that she is named the founder of the feminist movement.
- Read Albert Camus's book “The Stranger” which you can buy at bookstores.
Step 3. Know the basic views of existentialism
As a philosophy, existentialism is based on a main premise and several supporting premises:
- The main premise is that the meaning of life and human nature cannot be fully understood only through natural science (eg: biology and psychology) or moral codes (in religion and tradition), but can be discovered through authenticity.
- Existentialists believe that the universe or life was created not with a specific purpose or order so that there is no such thing as destiny or fate, that is, pre-determined conditions of life.
- In addition, humans have free will and can decide what actions to take on a daily basis to create a meaningful and orderly life, even though there are no goals and rules in the universe. Thus, life has meaning because people make it meaningful by living an authentic life.
Step 4. Remember that existentialism is different from nihilism
Nihilism says that life has no purpose and you cannot set your own goals. This is not in accordance with the view of existentialism.
Although many existentialists write about anxiety, hopelessness, and boredom, that doesn't mean they don't have a purpose in life. This happens because they are overwhelmed by the challenge of determining the meaning of life which is not inherently meaningless and frustrated that the education system always has a purpose that they think never existed
Part 2 of 3: Applying Existentialism in Daily Life
Step 1. Be authentic
Existentialism means being yourself regardless of what social norms, culture, religion, or other ideas require you to be a certain person. In addition, existentialism opens the awareness that you have the freedom to choose to be the person you want to be and only you are able to determine that.
There's no doubt that authenticity will become a problem when you determine whether you are truly yourself despite society's expectations or whether you are just doing what seems authentic or looks authentic to other people, but is the opposite of what you should choose. When deciding on appearance or action, ask yourself, “Am I making decisions that I really want or just wanting to please other people?” For example: when choosing clothes in the morning, do you wear clothes that you like or just want to look sexy or cool in the eyes of others?
Step 2. Get creative
Find the things you enjoy most and do, for example: painting like existential painter Jackson Pollock, writing like existential writer Fyodor Dostoevsky, or living a philosophical life.
Existentialists mean people who understand the value of self-expression. So, find a way to express yourself by showing your abilities
Step 3. Get in the habit of contemplating
Existentialism grows because of the habit of thinking and questioning how humans should live life.
- Existentialists ponder questions to answer what is the meaning of life and death, whether God exists, whether gods are involved in one's life (almost all existentialist philosophers believe that God does not exist because there is no meaning or purpose in life), what is the meaning of friendship and love, and other questions. related to human life.
- Existentialists do not think much about social or political issues, for example about the role that the state should play.
Part 3 of 3: Letting Go of Contradictory Impulses
Step 1. Avoid religious communities or other groups that govern how you live your life
The philosophy that underlies existentialism says that everyone must create their own meaning in life. Authentic meaning of life must align with the goals you want to achieve, not goals set by someone else.
Existentialists tend to believe that God does not exist, but there is also a belief in God, free will, and self-determination. The main aspect of existentialism is the freedom to choose what you want to believe
Step 2. Live your life and let others choose their own path
The main application of existential philosophy is to realize the inherent value of choosing, determining one's identity, and allowing others to live authentic lives.
Do not impose moral or philosophical rules on others. Instead of turning other people into the person you want them to be, let them live authentic lives. While paradoxical, you don't have the freedom to convince others who don't want to be existentialists
Step 3. Realize the consequences of your actions
One of the reasons philosophy is often associated with anxiety and despair is that existentialist philosophers recognize that their actions have consequences and are not without meaning.
