What is Existentialism and Where Did It Come From?

Existentialism is a way of thinking that deals with the feeling of being alone and hopeless in life. At its heart, it believes that life doesn’t have a built-in meaning. This pushes people to look for their own purpose in a confusing world. Because of this, many might feel anxious or believe their efforts are pointless.

Where It All Began:

• Nineteenth Century: Thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard talked a lot about making choices and having individual beliefs.
• Twentieth Century: After the disappointment felt from World War II, philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir discussed the heavy weight of freedom. They said that being alive comes before having any specific meaning.

Challenges People Face:

• Facing the idea that life can seem pointless might lead to deep feelings of dread.
• It can be hard for people to find comfort in a world that feels meaningless.

Possible Solutions:

• Acceptance: Accepting our freedom and the responsibilities that come with it might help us live more genuine lives.
• Creating Meaning: Working on personal projects can help us feel a sense of purpose, which can reduce feelings of despair.