Existentialists

Existentialists are philosophers and thinkers who explore the nature of human existence, emphasizing individual freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. They believe that individuals create their own essence through their choices and actions, facing the anxiety and anguish that arise from this freedom. Key themes include the rejection of predetermined values, the importance of authentic self-discovery, and the confrontation with concepts like death and nothingness. existentialists grapple with the implications of human consciousness, questioning the traditional sources of authority and emphasizing the subjective experience.

Existentialists meaning with examples

• Jean-Paul Sartre, a prominent existentialist, argued that "existence precedes essence," meaning we are born without inherent purpose and must define ourselves through choices. He believed that every choice carries ethical weight, shaping who we become and contributing to our responsibility to create ourselves.
• Many existentialists are inspired by Sören Kierkegaard, and the dread of having to live a life you construct yourself is paramount. You must strive to build a life worthy of living. In doing so, you define the value of your existence through your choices.
• In Dostoevsky's writings, the characters wrestle with existential dilemmas, exploring themes of faith, doubt, and the search for meaning in a world devoid of easy answers. The characters' struggle for the soul is similar to existentialist concerns.
• The concept of 'bad faith' is frequently seen as a danger by existentialists, a failure to be true to yourself, which often stems from living inauthentically by conforming to societal expectations rather than making authentic, personal choices.
• When a person confronts their own mortality and the seeming meaninglessness of life, existentialists propose that they will be thrown into an extreme amount of thought and introspection to build their own way, and define themselves through choices and actions. This is also described as angst