Choice and Commitment

In the diverse landscape of philosophical thought, existentialism stands out for its unique focus on individual existence, personal freedom, and the pursuit of meaning. This philosophical perspective, transcending mere academic discourse, delves deep into the core of what it means to be human. At its heart, existentialism is a philosophy of choice, responsibility, and the individual’s search for authenticity in an often ambiguous and absurd world.

Existentialism, emerging as a distinct philosophical movement in the early 20th century, has its roots in the works of earlier thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche. It gained prominence through the influential writings of Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and others, who explored the ramifications of living in a universe where traditional structures of meaning — be they religious, societal, or metaphysical — are questioned or outright rejected.

Let’s set the stage for a journey into existentialist thought, exploring its foundational principles and how they challenge us to confront the fundamental aspects of our existence. Through this exploration, we’ll understand how existentialism not only philosophizes about the human condition but also offers a compelling framework for living authentically amid life’s inherent uncertainties.

Foundations of Existentialism

Existentialism, as a distinct strand of philosophical thought, arose from the fertile ground of 19th-century intellectual turmoil. This era, marked by rapid social changes, scientific progress, and a growing disillusionment with traditional religious and moral systems, set the stage for profound philosophical inquiries into the nature of human existence and freedom.

At the forefront of this philosophical revolution was Søren Kierkegaard, a Danish thinker whose introspective works contemplated the complexities of faith, choice, and individual experience. Kierkegaard’s profound insights into the subjective human condition laid the foundational stones for existentialism. His concept of the “leap of faith” highlighted the inevitable tension between rational understanding and existential belief, emphasizing the individual’s daunting task of forging a path in a world devoid of absolute moral and existential certainties.

Following Kierkegaard’s introspective path, Friedrich Nietzsche, the German philosopher, ventured into even more radical territories. Nietzsche’s declaration of “God is dead” resonated as a bold pronouncement of the shifting philosophical landscape, where traditional religious structures no longer held unchallenged sway over the moral and existential realms. Nietzsche’s vision of the “Übermensch” — an individual who creates their own values and meaning in a purposeless universe — challenged humanity to embrace the daunting freedom of existential creation.

The existential torch, further carried into the 20th century by Jean-Paul Sartre, illuminated the post-World War II landscape with a new intensity. Sartre’s assertion that “existence precedes essence” revolutionized the philosophical understanding of human nature. According to Sartre, humans are thrust into an indifferent universe without inherent purpose, tasked with the formidable responsibility of defining their essence through actions and choices.

Albert Camus, a contemporary of Sartre, brought a unique perspective to existential philosophy with his exploration of the absurd — the inherent dissonance between human’s relentless search for meaning and the indifferent silence of the universe. Through his literary and philosophical works, Camus championed the idea of embracing life’s irrationality and revolting against the existential void, thus enriching the existential discourse with his nuanced understanding of the human struggle.

In this rich historical and intellectual context, existentialism emerged as a resonant voice addressing the fundamental human concerns of freedom, meaning, and authenticity. Shaped by its philosophical pioneers, existentialism offered a new lens through which to view the human condition — a lens focused sharply on the individual’s journey through an ever-shifting landscape of existential choices and responsibilities.

Existentialism and Personal Identity

At the heart of existentialism lies a deep exploration of personal identity, defined not by societal norms or preordained roles, but through the individual’s own choices and actions. This philosophy presents a vision of the self as a dynamic project, continuously shaped and reshaped through the exercise of freedom and the embrace of personal responsibility.

The existential journey starts with the acknowledgment of one’s profound freedom – a kind of freedom that is both exhilarating and daunting. This freedom implies that individuals are not just capable of choosing their actions but are fundamentally responsible for them. The existentialists argue that we are not merely tossed by the tides of fate or circumstance; instead, we are the architects of our lives, sculpting our identities through the choices we make. This realization can be overwhelming, often leading to a sense of angst or existential dread, as one grapples with the weight of this freedom and its consequences.

Central to this journey is the concept of authenticity. Authenticity, in the existential sense, is about living in a manner that is true to one’s own values, desires, and beliefs, rather than conforming to external expectations or societal norms. It’s about recognizing the masks that we often wear and having the courage to remove them, revealing and embracing our true selves. This pursuit of authenticity is a continual process of self-discovery and self-creation, requiring honesty, introspection, and often, a defiance of conventional ways of being.

However, the path to authenticity is fraught with challenges. The existentialist narrative is replete with the struggles of individuals confronting their own inauthenticities, the dissonance between their actions and their true desires, and the societal pressures that often lead to a life lived in bad faith. The journey to authenticity, therefore, is not just about making choices; it is about making choices that genuinely resonate with one’s innermost being, even in the face of adversity or alienation.

In essence, existentialism posits that our personal identity is not a given fact but a work in progress. It is something that we continually create and recreate through our choices, actions, and commitment to living authentically. This perspective empowers individuals to take control of their destiny, shaping their identity with conscious and deliberate choices that reflect their true self.

Theistic and Atheistic Existentialism

In the broad spectrum of existential thought, a fascinating divergence emerges between theistic and atheistic perspectives, each charting its own path in the quest for meaning and understanding of existence. This divergence is not a point of conflict but rather an illustration of existentialism’s core principle: the profound significance of personal choice and the subjective nature of truth.

Theistic existentialists weave the threads of religious faith into the fabric of existential philosophy. They view faith as an essential component in the individual’s journey to find meaning in life. Søren Kierkegaard, often heralded as the pioneer of existential thought, epitomizes this approach. For Kierkegaard, understanding and meaning are not found in objective rationality but in a deeply personal and subjective relationship with God. His philosophy revolves around the notion of the “leap of faith” — a conscious, passionate embrace of belief, accepting its inherent uncertainties and paradoxes. This leap is not an abandonment of reason but a recognition of the limits of human understanding and the profound role of personal choice in matters of faith.

Karl Jaspers, another influential voice in theistic existentialism, though less dogmatically religious than Kierkegaard, also emphasized the importance of personal transcendence and the search for meaning, which can encompass religious or spiritual dimensions. For Jaspers, the existential quest involves confronting life’s ultimate questions and embracing the possibility of transcendence, where personal experiences of faith and spirituality play a crucial role.

In contrast, atheistic existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus explore the human condition in a universe devoid of a divine creator or an inherent purpose. Sartre’s philosophy starkly articulates this view with his assertion that “existence precedes essence.” For Sartre, humans emerge into an indifferent world without preordained purpose or essence, leaving them with the formidable task of forging their own identities and meanings through choices and actions. This perspective emphasizes the freedom and responsibility inherent in human existence, where meaning is not discovered but created.

Albert Camus, often associated with existentialism, delved into the notion of the absurd — the conflict between the human desire for meaning and the unresponsive, indifferent universe. For Camus, this confrontation with the absurd does not lead to despair but to a rebellious embrace of life, a defiant creation of personal meaning and values in the face of an uncaring cosmos.

The juxtaposition of theistic and atheistic existentialism illuminates the rich diversity within existential thought. Both perspectives, while differing in their views on the divine and the source of meaning, converge on the importance of personal choice, the responsibility of individuals to craft their own paths, and the pursuit of authenticity in a complex and challenging world.

Existentialism in Extreme Conditions

In the harrowing darkness of Nazi concentration camps, where human suffering reached unimaginable depths, the principles of existentialism were not only tested but also illuminated with stark clarity. Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, emerged from this abyss with profound insights that expanded the boundaries of existential thought and its applicability in extreme conditions.

Viktor Frankl’s experiences in concentration camps became the crucible for his development of logotherapy, a form of existential therapy focusing on the search for meaning as the central human motivational force. Frankl’s philosophy was born out of the horrors he witnessed and endured, leading him to conclude that even in the most brutal and hopeless of situations, life retains its potential meaning.

Logotherapy posits that it is not pleasure or power that drives us, but rather our pursuit of what we find meaningful. In the concentration camps, where external freedom was stripped away, Frankl observed that individuals could still exercise the ultimate freedom — the freedom to choose one’s attitude and response to suffering. This realization speaks to the heart of existentialism: our capacity to find meaning and exercise personal agency, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Frankl’s insights extend existentialism into the realm of human suffering and despair. He illustrated that the search for meaning is not only relevant in the philosophical contemplation of life but also in the grimmest realities of human existence. In the concentration camps, where physical survival was often beyond one’s control, the spiritual and psychological resilience fostered by a sense of meaning became a lifeline.

This perspective aligns with the broader existential themes of choice, responsibility, and the struggle for authenticity. For Frankl, the existential choice in the face of despair was not a theoretical construct but a lived reality. His emphasis on meaning, even in suffering, adds a profound dimension to existential thought — the idea that our search for meaning and our response to life’s challenges define our humanity.

Frankl’s contribution to existentialism offers a poignant and powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It demonstrates that even in extreme conditions, where freedom in the conventional sense seems utterly lost, the human capacity for choice, meaning-making, and psychological resilience endures.

Nietzsche and Heidegger

The existential odyssey takes a profound turn with Friedrich Nietzsche and Martin Heidegger, whose philosophies delve deeply into the nature of being, the creation of meaning, and the confrontation with life’s ultimate truths.

Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophy represents a seismic shift in existential thought. His proclamation that “God is dead” is not a mere atheistic declaration but a metaphorical insight into the evolving human consciousness. Nietzsche observed a cultural and philosophical shift where traditional values, particularly those anchored in religious belief, were losing their authority. This realization led him to explore the implications of living in a world where the traditional anchors of morality and meaning have been unmoored.

Nietzsche’s concept of the “Übermensch” or Overman is pivotal in this context. This figure, a symbol of humanity’s potential, is one who creates their own values and meaning in a world devoid of inherent purpose. Nietzsche’s existential vision is one of radical responsibility and freedom – a call to humans to embrace the daunting task of self-creation and to live passionately and authentically in a universe that offers no objective guidance.

Martin Heidegger, taking a different path, focused on the fundamental question of what it means to be. His concept of “Dasein,” which translates to “being there,” explores the nature of existence and our relationship to our own being and the world around us. For Heidegger, understanding our existence requires confronting the most fundamental aspects of being, including our temporality and the inevitability of death.

Heidegger’s philosophy invites a deep reflection on the human condition – our “thrownness” into the world, our existential solitude, and the authenticity of our engagement with life. His exploration into the nature of being and time challenges us to confront the reality of our existence, not as a theoretical abstraction but as a lived experience, marked by moments of clarity, anxiety, and existential revelation.

Nietzsche and Heidegger, in their unique ways, expand the existential conversation. They challenge us to engage with the existential dilemmas of freedom, meaning, and authenticity. Their philosophies, rich with complexity and depth, underscore the enduring relevance of existential thought in grappling with the fundamental questions of human existence.

The Case of Jesus Christ

In the narrative of Jesus Christ, one can find profound existential themes, presenting a unique perspective on choice, commitment, and the human condition. Viewing Jesus’ life through an existential lens reveals a deeply human struggle with choice, purpose, and destiny, intertwined with divine obedience and commitment.

The story of Jesus, particularly his path to the crucifixion, can be seen as an existential journey marked by pivotal choices and profound commitment. From the realization of his identity as the Son of God to his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus’ life embodies the existential struggle of embracing one’s destiny. The Gethsemane episode, where Jesus grapples with his impending crucifixion, highlights the human anguish in confronting one’s fate. It is here that the existential weight of choice and commitment is most palpable. Jesus’ decision to accept his path, despite the fear and uncertainty, exemplifies the existential act of embracing one’s chosen destiny.

On the cross, Jesus’ cry — “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” — resonates as a moment of profound existential despair. This utterance, echoing the opening of Psalm 22, captures a deeply human moment of feeling abandoned, a sentiment that strikes at the heart of the existential experience of alienation and despair. However, this moment of anguish is not the end but part of a journey that, much like the Psalm itself, moves towards a reaffirmation of faith and trust in God. This transition from despair to faith mirrors an existential movement from confronting the depths of despair to reaffirming one’s commitment and purpose.

Jesus’ life, when viewed existentially, presents an intriguing interplay between divine obedience and personal choice. His unwavering commitment to God’s will can be seen as an active, deliberate choice, embodying deep existential commitment. This perspective suggests that divine obedience, in the case of Jesus, is not mere submission but a conscious, committed embrace of a chosen path.

In the narrative of Jesus Christ, the existential themes of choice, commitment, and the struggle with fate are vividly illustrated. His journey, an interweaving of human and divine dimensions, offers a unique perspective on how existential themes can be explored within a religious narrative, revealing the universal relevance of existential questions in the human experience.

Embracing Life’s Inherent Uncertainties

In our journey through the multifaceted realms of existentialism, we have encountered profound insights and challenging perspectives on the human condition. This philosophical exploration, rich in its diversity and depth, ultimately converges on a few fundamental truths about our existence: the inescapable reality of personal freedom, the quest for authentic living, and the unending search for meaning in an often ambiguous world.

Central to existential thought is the recognition of personal freedom as the cornerstone of human existence. This freedom is not just a liberating force; it is a demanding presence that requires us to take charge of our lives, make choices, and bear the weight of our decisions. Existentialism brings to the forefront the empowering yet daunting reality that we are the authors of our own stories.

The existential journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of authenticity — a quest to live in alignment with one’s true self, values, and beliefs. This pursuit challenges us to confront societal norms, question inherited truths, and break free from the shackles of inauthentic existence. In a world where external pressures constantly mold our identities, existentialism offers a clarion call to reclaim our individuality and live genuinely.

Perhaps the most poignant aspect of existentialism is its approach to the human search for meaning. In a universe that offers no clear-cut answers or predefined purpose, existentialism empowers us to create our own meaning, to find significance in our experiences, and to imbue our lives with a sense of purpose. This creative act of meaning-making is both a challenge and a source of profound fulfillment.

The existential themes of freedom, authenticity, and meaning-making are not confined to philosophical discussions but resonate deeply in our contemporary lives. In an era characterized by rapid change, existential uncertainty, and a plethora of choices, existentialism provides a framework to navigate the complexities of modern existence. It encourages us to embrace our freedom, seek our authentic selves, and craft meaningful lives amidst the inherent uncertainties of our time.

Thus, it becomes evident that existentialism, with its focus on individual experience, freedom, and the subjective nature of meaning, offers not just a philosophical viewpoint but a guide for living. It invites us to embrace the uncertainties of life, to find our own path, and to live with intentionality and purpose.

Choice and Commitment

In the rich tapestry of existential thought, the themes of choice and commitment stand out as fundamental pillars. These concepts not only define the essence of existential philosophy but also offer profound insights into the art of living.

At the core of existentialism lies the principle that we are beings of choice. Every moment presents an opportunity to choose, and with each choice comes the shaping of our existence. This freedom to choose is not a trivial matter; it is what makes us fundamentally human. Existentialism posits that our choices are expressions of our individuality, our responses to the world, and our way of asserting our presence. The act of choosing, therefore, is deeply significant, as it reflects our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

Hand in hand with the freedom of choice comes the responsibility of commitment. Existentialism teaches that our choices are meaningful only when we commit to them. This commitment is not passive; it is an active, ongoing process of engagement with our choices, a willingness to stand by them and face their consequences. In committing to our choices, we affirm our values and beliefs, forging our identity and destiny in the process.

The interplay of choice and commitment is crucial in the existential pursuit of an authentic life. To live authentically is to make choices that are true to our inner selves and to commit to these choices wholeheartedly. This authentic way of living demands courage and integrity, as it often involves going against the grain, challenging norms, and embracing the uncertainty that comes with forging one’s path.

Existentialism, in highlighting the significance of choice and commitment, offers not just a philosophical perspective but an imperative for living. It calls us to take charge of our lives, to be the authors of our stories, and to live with a sense of purpose and intentionality. In this existential framework, our lives become works of art, continuously shaped and reshaped by the choices we make and the commitments we uphold.

By placing choice and commitment at the center of the human experience, existentialism provides a powerful lens through which to view our lives. It challenges us to recognize our freedom, to make our choices wisely, and to commit to living a life that is truly our own.

Image by Helmut H. Kroiss