Existentialist philosophy, a school of thought that arose in the 19th-20th century period, stresses personal autonomy, free will, and individual experience. Fundamental to this school of thought is the belief that existence precedes essence, meaning that humans define their own meaning and purpose through their actions. Existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche argue that life has no inherent meaning, and it is up to each person to create their own values in a seemingly indifferent universe.
This ideology confronts established beliefs of preordained fate and the notion that life's purpose is predetermined. Rather, existentialism posits that people must acknowledge the underlying meaninglessness of life and accept their liberty to make choices and take action. This often leads to an existential crisis, where individuals wrestle with sensations of unease and confusion as they confront the void of natural meaning. Nevertheless, it is through this dilemma that one can achieve authentic existence by embracing liability for one's decisions and creating personal significance.
Existentialist philosophy also explores themes of alienation, desperation, and the human experience. In a world where traditional principles and values are often questioned, existentialist thought provides a basis for understanding the complexities of being human. By recognizing the absence of definite truths, existentialist thought encourages persons to thrive vividly and authentically, despite the ambiguities and difficulties of life. It is a call to welcome the liberty and responsibility that come with being an individual, and business philosophy to seek meaning in an otherwise unfeeling universe.