Existentialist thinkers focus a lot on the ideas of authenticity and conformity. These ideas are important because they influence how we see ourselves.

Authenticity means being true to who you are. It’s about living in a way that matches your own values, beliefs, and feelings. Thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre believe that everyone must face the strange nature of life and find their own meaning.

For example, if someone loves painting but decides to work in finance just to please others, they might feel unhappy and not true to themselves. Sartre once said, “existence precedes essence.” This means that we should not let what others label us define who we are. Instead, our choices shape who we become.

On the other hand, conformity is when people follow what society expects, often ignoring their true selves. For example, a teenager might join a popular group and change their hobbies just to fit in, even if they don’t enjoy it. This can create a gap between who they really are and who they pretend to be, leading to inner struggles.

Existentialists believe that while society gives us rules to follow, we need to think deeply about our own lives to find our way. They encourage us to question what we believe and to take charge of our choices.

In the end, the balance between authenticity and conformity makes us think about how we fit into society while staying true to ourselves. By trying to be more authentic, we can lead richer and more meaningful lives, celebrating our true selves.