Existentialism

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Existentialism

Choices, freedom, consequence. All three words are to the naked eye, words that have no meaning other then the definition that comes out of a dictionary. To them they see what is put in front of them. After reading Frankl, Crews, and articles which had something to do with one another, in one way or the other, we see a true meaning behind these words. We chose to do, think and chose our freedom. Our freedom, again, is limited to our choices, and our choices are unlimited, therefore we have unlimited freedom. Consequence, however, puts a stop to our choices. Often, we look at our consequences rather then our freedoms. We are afraid to do something because of its outcome. We also must do some things because of its consequence. We cannot determine whose choices are better, or determine the status of individuals from their choices. Each person is different, unique, in one way or another. We all have gone through different experiences, each which has affected our way of thinking about everything either completely changing our lives or simply looking at something in a new light.

As we go by day by day, we see a new hope for meaning. Meaning is what leads our lives. It is like a drug to some of us, and to others, a mere item that is with us for life. Those that are addicted seem to dig deeper and deeper for a better meaning, a greater knowledge of it. Those that care less, look to it as though it is simply a matter of consequence. We ourselves determine the method of thinking which makes us addicted or un-addicted. Our freedom to choose leads us to find whether or not meaning is important to us. Ordinary and unordinary situations tend to lead our thinking to a new light, or completely twist it the other way. As humans, we seek to find logical, meaningful ways, whether we know it or not. We may not realize that we are searching for meaning. Every action in which we ask the question ?Why?? is a complete search for meaning, in one way or another. Asking that question builds up meaning for some reason known only to one's self. The belief in meaning being a quest is known as Existentialism. Existentialists believe that meaning is found through the hardest of circumstances, and one must choose to look toward that meaning as a support in our struggles. Through times of sorrow and confusion, meaning is shining in our face. Whether we choose to search for meaning or simply have a blatant disregard for it and go on wallowing in our sorrow is our free choice. Crews introduces to us logotherapy, a idea which, although it may be worded differently, is connected to existentialism rather closely. Logotherapy states the primary focus on meaning of life. This is, indeed, a closely related idea to existentialism.

Anne Donovan was faced with a question toward god and meaning. Why, since she was a devoted Christian, did her baby die and a couple who did not go to Church as often and were not as devoted as they should be have the luck to have a living baby? Anne Donovan was in a very tough situation where meaning was a complete struggle. Anne succeeded in finding meaning in her battle. If someone like Anne can find meaning, why do we see so many people who are still struggling? As was said before, every human is unique, therefore they each have their own unique way of thinking. Each unique figure has a unique train of thought, good or bad, it should be respected for what it is, because it is not their fault that they think that way, but our fault we expose them to that train of thought and not discipline them. Again, our choice to let them un-disciplined is a fatal choice. As taught in last years Religion class, the choices we make dictate the life we lead.

"?Look at the misery the world is in. What are you doing about it.? To this cynical blackmail the artist might reply: ?The misery of the world? I'm not adding anything to it. Which of you can say as much??(A. Camus - EPW) This quote displays how a existentialist sees the most difficult situations, and some how finds hope and meaning in it. Challenges are a main part of existentialism. The belief behind existentialism is that meaning is found within difficult situations. Difficulty is based upon or realization of the situation, and experience. We learn from previous, less hazardous situations where we grow stronger and stronger slowly but surely. As skin grows stronger as we harm it, our attitudes during a situation become stronger and we are ready ...

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Keywords: existentialism vs absurdism, existentialism vs nihilism, existentialism books, existentialism quotes, existentialism definition, existentialism philosophy, existentialism in education, existentialism is a humanism

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