Existentialism is one of the most intriguing and empowering philosophical ideas of the modern era. It explores the biggest of life’s enquiries: What is the meaning of existence? How do we find purpose in an indifferent universe? Philosophers like Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus have investigated these profound ideas, providing us with valuable insights into how we can deal with the challenges of existence in a world without inherent value.
At the heart of existentialism is the idea that we exist before we find purpose. This means that we are born without any predefined meaning, and it is up to us to create meaning in our lives. As Sartre put it, “We are condemned to be free,” indicating that while we have the absolute freedom to shape our destiny, this freedom also comes with the weight of responsibility. For some, this is an intimidating idea, but for existential philosophers, it’s an invitation to embrace life’s challenges and live with authenticity, without being limited by social norms.
Existentialist thought challenges us to embrace the power of choice, to face life’s absurdities with courage, and to discover purpose in the things we pursue, whether it’s through artistic expression, human connections, or simply the daily experience of life. While life may not have a larger, inherent meaning, this philosophy reminds us that we have the freedom to craft our own significance. And in doing so, we can achieve deeply meaningful small business philosophy lives, even in the face of life’s uncertainties.