My older brother is one of my best friends. He is also the person I look up to the most. I have noticed that, growing up, I have adapted his personality as my own through things such as taste in music, film, and beliefs. Existentialism being one of those beliefs. His constant talk of being completely free to live life how he wishes has always intrigued me and is something everyone yearns for. Existentialism can be described as the belief of no set purpose to life. Existentialists believe that no person is born with a purpose to their lives, you make your own. No one is born to do something, you decide what you do. You form your own life purpose, or meaning, based on your passions and interest. 

In a growing atheist world, we must take a step back and reevaluate what we believe. Is there such a thing as a “god” or a greater being? Is there an essence to our existence or do we exist to create our essence? These are questions that have been contemplated for decades and no one can say for certain who exactly started the movement. It is believed that the concept of Existentialism first appeared in the early 19th century by Soren Kierkegaard, although some debate that the true creation of the philosophy was by way of Jean- Paul Sartre in the later 1900’s (Mastin). People have continuously debated what is to be believed or not and the argument continues to grow. There will never be one certain answer or an inevitable truth, but this thought should still be considered highly important because it shapes who we are as individuals. We cannot say with complete confidence where we came from, why we are here, or where we will end up, but we can form our own beliefs and live our lives accordingly to them.

Existentialists argue that no person was created for a reason, we simply exist (Burnham). Therefore, it is extremely important and necessary to add essence (meaning) to our lives so that there is a reason to continue to live. Without this meaning or purpose, one loses their will to live. This idea of no prior purpose, but, also, no created purpose is a completely different philosophical belief known as Nihilism. Nihilists believe that life is completely meaningless and that there is no point in trying to make up a meaning to it (Pratt). It is important to know that Nihilism is absolutely not the same as Existentialism, although they do share similarities. The main difference between the two is that Existentialism believes that one should create their own purpose and meaning while Nihilism believes that there is no point in trying. One could argue that the general mentality of believing in no specific or set meaning or purpose to life is extremely negative and pessimistic. Others can say that Existentialism is quite freeing because it makes “the world your oyster” in a sense and allows you to live your life however you please. The freedom to have the chance to become who you truly want to be is the most optimistic thought of all. 

In the end, humans may adopt these beliefs with or without knowing it. Existential philosophy affects every single person whether they are aware or not. What one believes is an important part of who they are and greatly affects how they choose to live their lives. The argument of Existentialism and its value is no new argument, yet which side is right or wrong is completely up to each individual person’s own perspective and opinion. This fact reiterates the importance of people knowing that Existentialism is a positive and liberating philosophy rather than the depressed, pessimistic appearance it is given today. Existentialism is a positive and liberating way of thinking and way of life that all humans should gain a deeper understanding of. 

We have a choice in everything we do. We decide every single part of our lives, large and small, from what to eat to what career we want. We decide how we want to live in every aspect, no exceptions. If you think that there is a way not to make decisions, you are wrong. Even the act of not deciding is a decision. You have the ability to choose and no one can take that away from you. Although this fact may be scary to hear at first, it is ultimately freeing. Humans have the freedom to do what they wish. We are not objects. For example, let’s analyze a pencil. A pencil is an object that is made for one specific purpose: to write with. Unlike this pencil, we have no one specific purpose, there is infinite possibilities for an individual's life. No one can tell you what you can and cannot do. There is no greater being making the decisions for you or shaping your life and leading you down a certain path. That is all you. This all draws to Jean- Paul Sartre’s idea of “existence precedes essence” (Sartre, 439). He argues that we exist to create our essence, we do not exist to fulfill an already set purpose. In a sense, the meaning of our lives is to create our meaning (Waters). 

People subconsciously make their own decisions every second of every day. I am making the decision to write this paper and you are making the decision to read it. Some may argue that I have no choice but to write this paper, but I do. Yes, there would be consequences if I didn’t, but it is still ultimately my decision whether I do or not. Sartre states in his work Being and Nothingness, “we are condemned to be free.” (Sartre, 439) We are completely free and with that freedom comes occasional difficult choices. These choices, no matter how small they may be, will ultimately shape our lives. It is an exciting fact that the only thing holding us back is ourselves. Our own choices and only our own can define who we are and how we live our lives. We are able to achieve whatever we wish as long as we conquer our personal afflictions and hardships. Existentialism frees every human being from the burdening thought of living by someone else’s standards. We are not bound by any other human being’s expectations. Although we may sometimes feel like we are, it is, overall, our decision to live by someone else’s standards and beliefs. 

Individualism is another large part of what makes existential thinking so positive. We are free to be whoever we wish to be. This links with the previous point that one is able to make decisions on how to live their lives. Being able to be your own unique person also comes with being responsible for yourself and your actions and more specifically, we are only responsible for ourselves. We do not have to fret on the actions of others because they also make their own decisions and their lives are out of our control. This is a relieving realization because it frees us from the pressure that one may have at the thought of being responsible for another human being. We can, on the other hand, influence one’s decisions, but it still will always be their choice to make. Individualism is an extremely optimistic aspect of Existentialism because it allows human beings to be their own singular, exceptional person without be concerned with how others may view them. This thought is, in a sense, the gateway to being able to love yourself and gives you the ability to become who you want to become. 

Although some can say logically Existentialists don’t believe in a “god”, Existentialism does not limit itself to Atheist only. It is a universal philosophy, accepting of all lifestyles. One can be an Atheist, who does not believe in a god or greater power, that decides to take their life into their own hands and do whatever they want. This, essentially, adopts the practices of Existentialism. On the other hand, one, such as Kierkegaard, can choose to believe in a “god”, while also believing that they shape their own purpose (McDonald). Some believe in “gods” or greater being to fill an explanation for how we exist, not necessarily why we exist. It again goes back to the concept of Existentialism that goes along with freedom of choice. Humans can choose to believe in “god” or a greater being if they wish. The most common religious existential view is known as Christian Existentialism. Kierkegaard explains this has focusing the importance of faith and passion for “Christ” (McDonald). He emphasizes the idea that individuals are free to make their own choices, yet, if one wishes to be “saved” they must be careful with their choices. The fact that Existentialism is open to everyone is another reason is a positive philosophy. Existential thinking allows all to believe what they wish to believe and think how they wish to think. It is the rawest form of freedom of thought. 

Existential thinking, specifically the idea of freedom to create your own purpose, enhances the lives of those who practice it. Aaron Walker explains that Existentialism is optimistic because, “When permitted to live freely, men and women are able to shape their own lives, giving them complete freedom and immense potential,” (Walker). Existentialism does this by breaking all outside barriers that may have been holding one back from doing what they are passionate about.  Once one realizes that the only person holding them back is themselves, they are able to find a new-found strength and motivation to overcome themselves and achieve what they truly want. In the end, if you are not doing something that you enjoy or love to do, what is the point? This is why Existentialism is a great way of thinking. It gives you the freedom to go after what you love, to find something you are passionate about and want to work towards. Existentialism gives you the ability to make life worth living and that is something everyone needs in their lives. Life is a strange thing if you take a moment and look around you, why are you here, why are you doing the things you do, why are we going through these set motions of day to day? There is no one true answer to these questions, it is all up to one’s beliefs. This is what truly sets us free. Things do not have to be the way they are (Bassler). We have the freedom to change however we please. Most will go through life not questioning why they do the things they do, but they should. If you take the time to think about what you are doing you will realize that life is rich with possibility. There are endless ways you can live your life.  

On the other side of the argument, people may look at Existentialism as a very negative way of thinking. They claim that having the responsibility of our lives is too much for one to handle on their own. These people believe that existential thinking only does harm by adding excess anxiety, stress, and pressure to one’s life because of the thought of our lives and well-beings being solely in our hands. They think that the added responsibilities that Existentialism provides diminishes the chance of happiness and an easy life. This is untrue because ultimately, “responsibilities enhance rather than encumber our existence,” (Solomon). Another reason some people believe Existentialism is bad is because they believe it is a depressing thought. They say that the idea that how you live your life is all your decision is absurd. They believe the idea that there is no set purpose for our lives is ultimately pessimistic and sadistic. They argue that there are forces beyond our control that control us and those who align with Existentialism simply don’t have the strength or will to believe in what they cannot see. Where are these counter-arguer’s proof? Yes, some Existentialism do not believe in a higher power or “god”, but some, such as Kierkegaard, were also avid Christians. These people do not completely comprehend the true positive freedom that is existential thinking. In section four of Sartre’s Being and Nothingness, he defines this way of thinking as living in “bad faith” (Sartre, 434). Sartre explains that “bad faith” is when one refuses to acknowledge and accept the responsibility of life and the freedom that comes with it (Cyr, Lockwood, Quackenbush, 360-376). 

Freedom, Individuality, Passion. This is the essence of Existentialism. Existential thinking is meant to set you free of the boundaries that other philosophies and religions have set. We are able to “live life authentically” through existentialism by combining the concepts individualism, passion, and freedom and applying it to our everyday lives (Waters). Therefore, by applying this philosophy to your everyday life you will not only gain a newfound appreciation for your freedom of choice, but you will also enhance your life by making decisions to live how you wish and do what you love. Existentialism is important because of the liberating aspects of choice. More people should learn about the views and beliefs of Existentialism because it will ultimately improve one’s life and happiness if they understand that they are able to make their own decisions about their life. By adopting the ideas of Existentialism and changing how you view the concepts of existence and essence one can increase the positivity their individual lives and surrounding. If you do not like the life you are living, change it. It may not be that simple, but with some grit and perseverance and existential thinking, you have the full potential to live the life you wish to live.  

Again, this concept of freedom is so powerful. I have personally been able overcome several obstacles that life has presented me by practicing Existentialism. Being able to face challenges knowing that I have a purpose of my own choosing gives me all the more motivation to push through. Also, knowing that there is not just one purpose for my life and that I have the freedom to create my own meaning reduces a lot stress that most will have. My brother has always told me that there is no set meaning to our lives and we must follow our passions in order to live a life worth living. I have recently found a new passion that I would like to chase on top of all my others and I am ready to achieve my goals and be truly free. 
