• Philosophy -> Metaphysics and Ontology

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Can existentialism apply to all aspects of life?

Rosalie Kynastone

I definitely think that existentialism can apply to all aspects of life! It's not just a philosophical idea that one can study and apply in select situations, but rather a way of understanding and approaching the world that can shape our entire perspective.

Existentialism is essentially the belief that we must create our own meaning in life, rather than relying on external sources to give us purpose. This idea can be applied to everything from our careers to our relationships to our hobbies - anything that we engage in has the potential to be meaningful if we approach it with intention and authenticity.

For example, if we are stuck in a dissatisfying job, we might turn to existentialism for guidance. Rather than resigning ourselves to a life of boredom and unfulfillment, we can recognize that we have the power to create our own sense of purpose in this situation. Maybe we can find meaning in the relationships we build with our coworkers, or in the skills we acquire on the job. Perhaps we can use this job as a stepping stone to something more meaningful in the future. The point is that we don't have to accept a situation as inherently meaningless - we can actively shape it in a way that aligns with our values and goals.

Similarly, existentialism can help us navigate the complexities of personal relationships. Rather than seeing our identity as entirely defined by our relationships (as some other philosophies might suggest), existentialism recognizes that we are individuals with our own unique sense of self. This means that we can approach relationships from a position of strength and authenticity, rather than constantly searching for validation or approval from others. By recognizing our own agency and autonomy, we can build relationships that are based on mutual respect and support rather than neediness or desperation.

Overall, I think that existentialism provides a valuable framework for approaching all aspects of life. It helps us find meaning and purpose in situations that might otherwise seem pointless or unfulfilling, and it encourages us to take ownership of our own lives and identities. Of course, this is just my own perspective - I'm sure there are many other philosophical outlooks that could be just as helpful or meaningful depending on one's individual needs and experiences. But for me, existentialism resonates deeply as a guiding principle for navigating the complexities and uncertainties of the world we live in.