What is Existentialism? Sartre's View on Freedom

Introduction

Every day, we make choices—some trivial, like what to have for breakfast, and others monumental, like choosing a career path. These choices, and our freedom to make them, are at the heart of existentialism, a philosophical movement that’s all about understanding human existence. Imagine standing in a supermarket aisle, surrounded by a myriad of cereal options. What compels you to pick one box over another? Is it just a matter of taste, or is there something deeper at play? Existentialism suggests that our choices are more than mere decisions; they are reflections of our deepest beliefs and fears. This philosophy doesn't just ponder these daily decisions—it delves into the profound questions about freedom, responsibility, and the essence of being human.

What is Existentialism?

Existentialism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It's rooted in the idea that humans are not defined by pre-existing essences or purposes. Instead, we create our own meaning through the choices we make. Picture a blank canvas: this is life according to existentialism. You are the artist, not bound by any predetermined design. The strokes of your brush, the colors you choose, and the images you create are entirely up to you.

This philosophy gained prominence in the 20th century, partly due to the works of Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus. Sartre famously declared "existence precedes essence," which means you first exist, and only then do you define your essence through actions. It's like being handed a script where the pages are blank. The script doesn't dictate how the story unfolds—you do.

Let's consider a real-world analogy. Think of a chef in a kitchen, given a variety of ingredients. Existentialism is like saying there’s no recipe—only the chef's creativity and choices determine the meal. Whether the final dish is a triumph or a disaster, the responsibility lies with the chef alone. Similarly, existentialism emphasizes our role as the architects of our lives, guided by freedom but also bearing the weight of responsibility.

How Does It Work?

Delving deeper into existentialism, we encounter its core principle: freedom of choice and the inherent responsibility that comes with it. This can be a liberating yet daunting concept. Imagine standing at a crossroads with countless paths, each representing a different life choice. Existentialism asserts that no external signs or maps exist to guide you—only your own will and judgment.

Jean-Paul Sartre emphasized the concept of "bad faith," a form of self-deception where individuals deny their freedom by conforming to societal roles or expectations. Suppose you're an accountant who dreams of becoming a musician. You might convince yourself that financial stability is paramount, thus ignoring your passion. This is living in bad faith—denying your essence by hiding behind a façade.

Conversely, living authentically—another pillar of existential thought—means acknowledging and embracing your freedom and the resulting responsibility. It’s about being true to yourself, regardless of external pressures. Authenticity can be seen in someone who decides to leave a stable job to pursue their true calling. It's risky, yes, but it's also an acknowledgment of one's capacity to shape their destiny.

Existentialism also grapples with the absurdity of life. Albert Camus, another key figure, highlighted this in his essay "The Myth of Sisyphus," where he compares human life to the futile task of rolling a boulder up a hill, only to watch it roll back down. This allegory isn't meant to foster despair but to highlight the human capacity for resilience and meaning-making, even in seemingly meaningless circumstances.

The existentialist focus on personal responsibility and authenticity powerfully resonates in today's world, where societal norms and pressures can often overshadow individual desires. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, forced many to reassess their life choices, revealing the existential undercurrents of personal freedom and responsibility. People confronted the fragility of life and questioned what truly matters, a poignant reflection of existential themes.

Real-World Examples

1. Career Choices: Imagine Alice, a mid-level manager at a corporation, feeling unfulfilled despite her success. Existentialism would encourage Alice to question the authenticity of her career. Is she truly passionate about her work, or is she conforming to societal expectations of success? Alice's decision to pursue freelance writing, driven by her love for storytelling, exemplifies exercising freedom and responsibility.

2. Personal Relationships: Consider Tom, who stays in a long-term relationship out of fear of loneliness. Existentialism challenges Tom to recognize his freedom to choose authentic connections over complacency. When Tom decides to end the relationship, he embraces the discomfort of solitude for the sake of personal growth and authentic interactions.

3. Social Activism: Marie, a climate activist, embodies existentialism by taking responsibility for her impact on the world. Despite the overwhelming scale of climate change, she chooses to act on her beliefs, acknowledging her freedom to make a difference, no matter how small. Her journey illustrates existentialism’s call to live authentically and responsibly.

4. Artistic Expression: Vincent van Gogh, the iconic painter, is an existential hero. Despite the lack of recognition during his lifetime, he pursued his art with fervent authenticity. His story underscores the existential belief in creating one's essence through personal passion, regardless of external validation or success.

Why It Matters

Existentialism matters because it empowers individuals to live more consciously and authentically. In a world filled with noise and external pressures, it reminds us of our innate freedom to choose our paths. By acknowledging this freedom, we take ownership of our lives, becoming active participants in shaping our destinies rather than passive bystanders.

This philosophy encourages introspection, pushing us to examine our motives and the authenticity of our choices. It promotes resilience, urging us to find meaning in adversity and uncertainty. In an era where mental health challenges are prevalent, existentialism offers a framework for understanding and navigating the complexities of human existence.

Furthermore, existentialism’s emphasis on individual responsibility fosters a sense of agency, motivating people to address societal issues like inequality, climate change, and injustice. When we accept that our actions have consequences, we are more likely to contribute positively to the world around us.

Common Misconceptions

1. Existentialism is Pessimistic: A common misconception is that existentialism is a bleak philosophy. While it acknowledges life's absurdities, it ultimately empowers individuals to create their own meaning and find joy in the freedom of choice.

2. Existentialism Promotes Isolation: Some believe existentialism encourages detachment from society. However, it actually promotes authentic connections by encouraging individuals to engage with the world sincerely and responsibly.

3. Existentialism Rejects Morality: Existentialism doesn't dismiss morality; it redefines it. It argues that moral values are not universal but are instead created through personal choice and responsibility.

Key Takeaways

Existentialism is a profound philosophical movement that centers on individual freedom, choice, and responsibility. At its core, it invites us to live authentically, confronting life’s challenges and absurdities with courage and creativity. By embracing our freedom, we shape our essence and, in doing so, contribute meaningfully to our own lives and the world around us. This philosophy not only encourages introspection but also inspires action, reminding us that we are the authors of our own stories.