Three Cheers for Existentialism

When one first starts learning about Existentialism, he or she might not know how to feel about it. Some of the points are a bit… out there, to say the least. After reading “The Stranger” though, the mind will be forever altered. It proves that the Existential teachings are important beyond words. They are potent & intelligent. They make sense.

The universe is an absurd place. It make zero sense. & as human beings, it is impossible to understand it. It might burst one’s bubble, but life has no meaning. There is not a master plan. Humans were put in the universe for no reason. The best option, hiding behind door number three though, is to just accept that life is “absurd” and to move on. Humans must find the beauty in life, for that is the meaning of life. If one misses the meaning, then what’s the point of living in the first place? Along with this, we have to take responsibility for our actions and be individuals.

In ‘The Stranger’, Meursault lives his life without vigor. He goes through the motions of life but doesn’t accept any of his own actions as… his own, and fails to see the beauty in life. He kills an Arab, but he does so for no good reason. He says he killed him ‘cause of… the sun. He is later executed for his actions.

The following explains why he did it. “A shaft of light shot upward from the steel, and I felt as if a long, thin blade transfixed my forehead. At the same moment all the sweat…splashed down on my eyelids, covering them with... moisture.” This is absolutely ridiculous. Human beings are notorious for making excuses for their actions. This is a farce of sorts, but it can be applied to one’s life directly. You must own up to your actions.

In other words, think about this quote by Victor E. Frankl. “…the meaning of life always changes, but it never ceases to be. We can discover this meaning in life in three different ways: (1) by doing a deed; (2) by experiencing a value; and (3) by suffering.” This means the meaning of life is always there. Human beings simply need to find it in their lives, day by day. To tap into this experience, one must make action in his or her life. One may do so by having an action occur to him or her that proves how much something is worth to them. Finally, one has to suffer to see the beauty and meaning.

The latter makes the most sense. If one does not experience pain, then how can it be calibrated? How can happiness be truly felt and appreciated if the lowest of feelings doesn’t exist. Life is like a wave, it is in continuous motion and in order to ride the very top of the wave, one must dip down low into the valley to get the full appreciation.

In short, Existentialism is everywhere one looks. It’s a simple mindset that will forever change one’s life. He or she just needs to look at their actions & selves, along with owning up to what they do, to reach the zenith of life.