Existentialism and Authenticity
By: Alexander Priest
Existentialism
A philosophical theory or approach that emphasizes the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining their own development through acts of the will. (Google)
The idea that a person, and no other power or cause, decided the life they live. There is no existence of a God or karma-like power to organize a persons life.
The Origions and its Founder
The question of exsitentialism
How do you live in an uncertain and cruel world, making sense and purpose, only to die before you may wish to be done?
Jean Sartre
In the time of WWII and the beginning of the industrial revolution, many people began to lose work. At that time they belived that their one purpose was the same as all family before them, and without it they were nothing. Sartre wanted a way to give people purpose again, so he created the idea that all people are individual in their life and that no other power can label them.
Individuality
No one can standardize you action to a specific set or pattern. You are the only one who can change who you are. All people have the freedom to do what they want with their lives, and futures
Dos and Don'ts
Do
- Live your life isolated from the thoughts of others.
- Make choices only based on what you know is true.
- Live your life knowing everyday may be your last.
- Reject all ideas that may go against your own.
- Accept all outcomes of your choices.
- Refuse all that would wish to control you.
Don't
- Allow others to change your mind.
- Let the ideals of others conform you to a specific role.
- Allow stereotypes and expectations to change you views of the world.
- Live your life by the worlds standards.
- Blame consequences on other people or external powers.
- Crumble under the weight of society and fall in line with all other people.