## What Exists Is What Matters: The Existentialist View on Being and Meaning
Look, philosophy can feel like staring at a wall covered in abstract doodles. But existentialism? That’s the one where the wall starts to matter. Not because it’s new or flashy, but because it asks the question that keeps you up at night: *What’s the point?
Existentialists like Sartre, Camus, and de Beauvoir didn’t just study ideas—they stared down the void and said, “Okay, but you have to build the ladder.” They weren’t here to comfort you with cosmic blueprints. In real terms, they were here to tell you that meaning isn’t handed to you. It’s something you create, messily and fiercely, in the face of absurdity Most people skip this — try not to. Nothing fancy..
So, what would they say about life, freedom, and the whole “why are we here?” thing? Let’s break it down.
## Existence Precedes Essence: The Core Idea
Here’s the short version: Existentialists flip the script on traditional philosophy. Instead of saying humans have a predefined purpose (like a hammer is “meant” to drive nails), they argue that we exist first, and then we define our essence through choices.
Sartre’s famous line—“Existence precedes essence”—isn’t just a clever phrase. It’s a rebellion against systems that try to tell you who you “should” be. Think about it: If you’re born into a religion, a culture, or even a family that says, “This is how you’re supposed to live,” existentialists would say, “Great, but who are you choosing to be?
This isn’t nihilism. In real terms, it’s not about rejecting meaning altogether. It’s about rejecting the idea that meaning is given. You’re not a product of your DNA, your upbringing, or even your “destiny.” You’re a blank slate with a built-in urge to create something meaningful Worth keeping that in mind..
## Freedom Is Heavy: The Burden of Choice
Here’s the kicker: If you’re the author of your own meaning, you’re also 100% responsible for it. No excuses. No blaming your genes, your upbringing, or the stars.
Sartre called this “radical freedom.Which sounds like a curse, but it’s actually a feature. ” You’re “condemned to be free,” he said. ” You always have other options. Because if you’re free to choose, you can’t hide behind “I had no other option.Even inaction is a choice Worth knowing..
But here’s where it gets uncomfortable: This freedom isn’t just empowering. It’s terrifying. Even so, because with freedom comes anguish. You can’t outsource your decisions to a higher power, a societal norm, or a horoscope. You’re on your own.
And that’s where most people panic. They’d rather cling to a script—religion, tradition, even corporate culture—than face the raw responsibility of creating their own path. Existentialists call this “bad faith.” It’s when you lie to yourself to avoid the weight of freedom That's the part that actually makes a difference..
## The Absurd: Life Without Inherent Meaning
Camus, the existentialist with a flair for drama, called life “absurd.” Not because it’s cruel or pointless, but because we’re wired to seek meaning in a universe that doesn’t care Turns out it matters..
Imagine ordering a pizza and getting a brick instead. Now scale that up to existence itself. Here's the thing — you expected something, but the universe delivered something else. That’s absurdity. That said, you’re here, alive, asking “Why? ” but the universe shrugs Not complicated — just consistent..
But Camus didn’t leave you hanging. He said the absurd isn’t a problem—it’s a starting point. You can either kill yourself (not recommended) or embrace the absurd and live passionately anyway Not complicated — just consistent. Simple as that..
That’s his famous line: “One must imagine Sisyphus happy.” The guy’s pushing a boulder up a hill forever. But Camus says, “Hey, at least he’s pushing it with style.
## Authenticity vs. Bad Faith: The Tightrope Walk
Existentialists aren’t just about freedom. They’re also obsessed with how you use it. Enter authenticity: The act of living in alignment with your own values, not society’s Easy to understand, harder to ignore. That's the whole idea..
Bad faith, on the other hand, is when you pretend you’re not free. When you say, “I have to do this because everyone else does,” or “This is just how I am,” you’re avoiding responsibility And it works..
Think about it: How often do you justify your choices with “That’s just who I am”? Existentialists would say that’s a cop-out. You’re not stuck with your personality, your fears, or your habits. You can always choose differently.
But here’s the thing: Authenticity isn’t about being perfect or never compromising. It’s about owning your choices, even the messy ones. It’s saying, “Yes, I did that. And I’m okay with it because it’s mine.
## The Role of Others: We’re Not Alone in the Abyss
Existentialism isn’t just about individual angst. It also grapples with how we relate to others in a world without inherent meaning Small thing, real impact..
Sartre’s famous phrase—“Hell is other people”—sounds bleak, but it’s not meant to be. But existentialists also recognize that we’re social beings. It’s a critique of how we often objectify others, reducing them to tools for our own ends. We need others to define ourselves.
De Beauvoir, in particular, explored how women are often trapped in roles society assigns them (“the Other”). Her work is a call to reject those limitations and demand the freedom to define yourself No workaround needed..
So, existentialism isn’t just about individualism. Think about it: it’s about recognizing that while we’re free, we’re also interdependent. Our freedom is tied to the freedom of others.
## Why This Matters: The Existentialist Takeaway
Here’s the thing most people miss: Existentialism isn’t a philosophy of despair. It’s a philosophy of agency Not complicated — just consistent. That's the whole idea..
It says, “Look, the universe doesn’t owe you a reason. But you can give yourself one.”
That’s liberating. It’s also terrifying. But if you’re willing to face the discomfort, it’s the most empowering framework you’ll ever encounter Small thing, real impact..
Because if you’re the author of your own meaning, you’re not just surviving. You’re creating. And that’s a kind of power no religion, ideology, or algorithm can touch.
## FAQ: Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Isn’t existentialism just nihilism?
A: No. Nihilism says life has no meaning. Existentialism says life has no inherent meaning—but you can create your own. Big difference Most people skip this — try not to..
Q: How do you deal with anxiety if you’re always responsible for your choices?
A: You don’t eliminate anxiety. You sit with it. Existentialists argue that anxiety is a sign you’re confronting your freedom. That’s a good thing Small thing, real impact..
Q: Can you be authentic without being selfish?
A: Yes. Authenticity isn’t about ignoring others. It’s about choosing your values in a way that respects others’ freedom too.
Q: What if I can’t decide what my essence is?
A: That’s okay. Sartre said we’re “condemned to be free.” You don’t need a grand plan. Start small. Choose one thing today that aligns with who you want to be.
## The Short Version
Existentialism says:
- You’re free.
- That freedom is terrifying.
- But it’s also your superpower.
- Create meaning. Own your choices.
- Don’t hide behind “That’s just how I am.
It’s not easy. But it’s real. And if you’re reading this, you’re already living it.
Here’s the thing — existentialism isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions. And that
questioning, that restlessness, that refusal to settle for easy explanations—that’s not a bug in the human experience. It’s the feature Simple, but easy to overlook..
The existentialist doesn’t promise you comfort. But they do offer something more valuable: honesty. They strip away the illusions we cling to—destiny, predetermined purpose, cosmic justice—and hand us something far more daunting and beautiful: the raw materials of our own lives Simple, but easy to overlook..
In a world that often feels chaotic and indifferent, existentialism gives us a compass not pointing north, but inward. It asks not what the world owes you, but what you owe yourself and others. It demands courage, yes—but also offers a kind of freedom that no external authority can ever truly take away.
Because once you’ve faced the absurdity of existence and chosen to create meaning anyway, you’ve touched something unshakable. Not certainty, but conviction. Not peace, but purpose Small thing, real impact..
And sometimes, that’s enough.
