What are your thoughts on existentialism?

Gardenlover

Gardenlover

The world needs more love
I tend to be tossed back and worth by the waves of reason, looking for some anchor points.
 

Simone de Beauvoir was my hero. I read every word she ever wrote. I mourned her death, she had such a fear of dying. The thing is, I enjoyed her so, she was so important to me for so many years and now I can't remember why!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Paco Dennis said:
I have read a whole lot on this subject. Could you elucidate a little on some of the aspects of different "reasons" for existence that you find baffling?
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Well there's a ten dollar word. :)

I guess it boils down to the age old question of "What is the meaning of life?" and therefore a very debatable subject.

Out of the billions of people that have lived before us or the billions that are alive today, does the individual man or woman who live a simple common life make any difference?
 
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This is what Google's Bard (AI) came up with when asked what is the meaning of life?

The meaning of life is a question that has been pondered by philosophers and theologians for centuries. There is no one answer that will satisfy everyone, as the meaning of life is a personal and individual question. However, some possible answers to the question include:

  • To find happiness and fulfillment.
  • To make a difference in the world and leave it a better place than you found it.
  • To learn and grow as a person.
  • To connect with others and build meaningful relationships.
  • To experience the beauty of the world and all that it has to offer.
  • To live a life of purpose and meaning.
Ultimately, the meaning of life is up to each individual to decide. There is no right or wrong answer, and what matters most is that you find something that gives your life meaning and purpose.

Here are some tips for finding meaning in your life:

  • Think about what is important to you and what you value.
  • Set goals for yourself that are meaningful to you.
  • Find ways to make a difference in the world, big or small.
  • Connect with others and build meaningful relationships.
  • Live in the present moment and appreciate all that you have.
Remember, the meaning of life is a journey, not a destination. It is something that you discover along the way.
I believe this to be more along an existentialist world view.
 
I hold fast my belief in The Creator and The Bible
It's the only book that holds such precise prophesy

And has prevailed

'My words will never pass away'

Right now reading about Wycliff, Huss and Jerome
of the dark ages

After much persecution and attempts to burn all Bibles, seems like the old man of sin found the key
Lethargy
The world is now rife with Bibles
Yet it's seldom read
and even less understood
 
It depends on which philosopher/author you mean. All have different interpretations. So there's no general answer to this question. The word is not popular, fashionable now like it was in the fifties and sixties.
Originally, it was written for professional academics....then it was watered down.
 
When I think about this I have no concrete answers. I try to always do right, but know I have hurt others. Then I start thinking about how I may have had a good effect on others, and end up going back to that old Christmas movie, It's a Wonderful LIfe. And round and round I go,
 
What are your thoughts on existentialism?
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Gosh, it's been 47 years since I even heard the term "existentialism" while studying philosophy in college. Refreshing my memory with a google-search yields:

Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes individual existence, freedom and choice. It is the view that humans define their own meaning in life, and try to make rational decisions despite existing in an irrational universe.
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So, "freedom and choice", sounds good to me, isn't that what God granted us, in both the literal and biblical sense?
 
A person is born, lives, dies. There is no way to know if the time span will be minutes or many years. If a person lives long enough. All that is possible is to live the best life we can with what we are given in the way of mental & physical capabilities

Pondering the why of different lives led is interesting.
 
I think there are many good guideposts to making a satisfyingly meaningful life but I would describe my own purpose in life as standing in the river of life, keeping my balance in the current and appreciating all that it gives me. Some important guideposts for me have been a good spouse, a number of good dogs, some good books and lots of time in nature.
 

Existentialism belongs with the dinosaurs. That word and its definition is no longer needed in today's society. Even now with AI taking over in so many workplaces and functions in life, it's no longer necessary to even consider it.​

If Plato were alive today, what do you think he would have to say about it after he stopped laughing.?​

 
MarkD said:
I think there are many good guideposts to making a satisfyingly meaningful life but I would describe my own purpose in life as standing in the river of life, keeping my balance in the current and appreciating all that it gives me. Some important guideposts for me have been a good spouse, a number of good dogs, some good books and lots of time in nature.
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And now and then, a really good fish dinner.
 
Nathan said:
So, "freedom and choice", sounds good to me, isn't that what God granted us, in both the literal and biblical sense?
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Do you see a conflict in freedom of choice if God has a plan?

Plan
verb
1.
decide on and arrange in advance.

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
 
I had to read some Albert Camus waaaay back in college. He was often described as an existentialist, although he himself denied it. Haven't given it a thought since then.
 
Knight said:
Do you see a conflict in freedom of choice if God has a plan?

Plan
verb
1.
decide on and arrange in advance.

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
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Following the letter and spirit of the Bible from Genesis on, I think it's apparent that God granted us freedom of choice. And so, in living life we encounter endless choices, some good some terrible. I believe that God's ultimate plan is for us is to be a positive, loving influence for others on our path in life, reflecting the spirit of Jesus' love and selflessness, as taught in His ministry and example.
 

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