Existentialist philosophy, a philosophy that developed in the 19th and 20th centuries, emphasizes personal freedom, free will, and personal experience. Central to this ideology is the belief that being precedes essence, implying that people define their own significance and purpose through their choices. Existentialist thinkers like Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche contend that life is inherently meaningless, and it is up to each individual to determine their own values in a uncaring universe.
This school of thought confronts conventional ideas of preordained fate and the idea that life's meaning is pre-established. Instead, existentialism proposes that humans must confront the fundamental irrationality of life and welcome their freedom to make choices and take action. This often causes an existential crisis, where individuals struggle with sensations of anxiety and confusion as they face the lack of inherent meaning. Nonetheless, it is through this dilemma that one can reach authentic existence by accepting accountability for one's decisions and forging personal importance.
Existentialism also delves into concepts of isolation, hopelessness, and the state of being human. In a environment where traditional values and beliefs business philosophy are often questioned, existentialism provides a basis for grasping the nuances of being human. By accepting the void of definite truths, existentialist philosophy encourages individuals to live passionately and authentically, despite the uncertainties and challenges of life. It is a call to embrace the freedom and responsibility that come with being human, and to find meaning in an otherwise indifferent existence.
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