Existentialism is like the philosophical version of a mid-life crisis, but with a lot more poetry, novels, and cigarettes. It’s all about the big questions: Who am I? Why am I here? What’s the point of anything? Let’s dive into the twisted, fascinating world of existentialism, shall we?
History
It all started with Søren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher whose name you might find impossible to pronounce. He’s considered the "father of existentialism," even though he probably didn’t know it at the time. Kierkegaard was all about the individual, stressing personal choice and commitment. He was particularly fond of “leap of faith” scenarios—think Indiana Jones stepping onto that invisible bridge.
Next up, we have Friedrich Nietzsche, another philosophical heavyweight. Nietzsche declared that “God is dead,” which is, you know, a pretty bold statement. He believed in the concept of the Übermensch (Superman), a person who creates their own values and lives beyond traditional moral constraints. Nietzsche’s mustache alone deserves a whole separate study.
Key Concepts
Absurdity: Life is inherently meaningless, and it’s up to each of us to find our own purpose. This idea was popularized by Albert Camus, who wrote The Myth of Sisyphus. Imagine pushing a boulder up a hill, only for it to roll back down every time you get to the top—that’s life, according to Camus. Fun, right?
Freedom and Responsibility: With great freedom comes great responsibility. Jean-Paul Sartre argued that we’re “condemned to be free,” meaning we have no choice but to make choices. And yes, he wrote that while chain-smoking in a Parisian café.
Authenticity: Being true to oneself is crucial. Simone de Beauvoir, Sartre’s partner and a philosopher in her own right, extended this idea to feminism. Her book The Second Sex is a cornerstone of feminist existentialism, exploring how women can live authentically in a male-dominated world.
Fun Trivia
Existentialism and World War II: Many existentialist ideas gained traction during and after WWII. The war's chaotic and destructive nature made people question the meaning of life and their own existence.
Literary Influence: Existentialism isn't just for philosophers. It seeped into literature with works like Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground, Franz Kafka’s The Trial, and Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot. These books are basically existential crises in paperback form.
Existentialism in Pop Culture: Believe it or not, existentialism has made its way into pop culture. Think of movies like The Matrix, where the characters question the nature of reality, or the TV show BoJack Horseman, which explores the meaningless and often depressing aspects of life. Even Rick from Rick and Morty is an existentialist anti-hero, constantly grappling with the absurdity of existence.
Existential Cafés: The Café de Flore in Paris was a hotspot for existentialist thinkers. Sartre, de Beauvoir, and their pals would hang out there, discussing philosophy over endless cups of coffee. It’s basically the original hipster café, minus the WiFi.
Hidden Facts
Sartre’s Nobel Prize: Sartre was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1964 but refused it, stating that a writer should not allow himself to be turned into an institution. He’s probably the only person ever to say “no thanks” to a prestigious award and mean it.
Kierkegaard’s Pseudonyms: Kierkegaard wrote under various pseudonyms to explore different viewpoints. It’s like he had multiple philosophical personalities. This allowed him to debate himself in print—a one-man philosophical wrestling match.
Camus and Soccer: Albert Camus was a passionate soccer player. He once said, “Everything I know most surely about morality and obligations, I owe to football (soccer).” Who knew existentialism had a sporty side?
Nietzsche’s Mental Health: Nietzsche struggled with mental health issues throughout his life and spent his final years in a state of mental collapse. Despite this, his works have had a profound impact on modern philosophy and culture.
Existentialism in Everyday Life
Decision-Making: Existentialism teaches us to embrace our freedom and make choices that are authentic to ourselves. Next time you're at a crossroads, channel your inner Sartre and own that decision.
Facing the Absurd: When life feels pointless, remember Camus and his boulder. Finding joy in the struggle can be a way to deal with life's inherent absurdity.
Creating Meaning: Whether it's through art, relationships, or personal projects, existentialism encourages us to create our own meaning in life. It's your life—paint it with your own colors.
Existentialism may sound heavy, but it’s all about embracing the chaos and making the most out of our freedom. So, next time you’re sipping coffee and pondering life’s big questions, you’re in good existentialist company.