Existentialism

In the past I had a notion that Existentialism was a negative, depressed philosophy of life created by a neurotic Frenchman. As usual with these kinds of things, I probably formed that opinion by seeing a picture or two of Sarte and making up what I thought the philosophy meant from the pictures and the name. The name, Existentialism, seemed to imply cold, dry existence rather than a life of enjoyment.

The reality is much different. The stream of thought of Existentialism is rooted in individual expression, passion, positive self-esteem, self-realization, search for being, personal freedom, responsibility and authenticity. There can be no excuses for failure to act, take control of our lives or for any particular circumstance we might find ourselves. We are where we are in life because of our choices. There is no one to blame or congratulate but ourselves.

Individuality is admired since it is through self-expression that we experience self-realization. The result of this expression is positive if we approach life from a position of pro-active mastery and self-control rather than slavery and reaction. We are in control of our lives and must accept the freedom and responsibility that comes with that.

Given this, we cannot blame others for situations or our actions. We always have a choice within the constraints of a particular context. No matter what the context, there are choices. Even in a prison situation we'd still have our freedom of thought and consciousness.

We all have a will to self-esteem that leads us to self-actualization. This will can be frustrated if we do not make choices from a position of cause rather than effect. Master morality vs. Slave morality. We should be passionately committed to our choices.

Like any great philosophy, easier read/said than done.