Existentialism is a philosophy and an attitude of thought that emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility. Existentialists speculate that there is no predetermined value, and it is up to each individual to build their own.
Steps
Step 1. Start reading some works of existentialist philosophers, starting with Søren Kierkegaard and Jean-Paul Sartre
Step 2. Always remember that there is no general plan or purpose that every human being must aspire to, but that you must create for yourself the meaning or goal of your life
Step 3. Remember that existentialism is different from nihilism, which denies the existence of values
Step 4. Focus on your life, independent of any religious doctrine and try to live with passion and sincerity, as Kierkegaard suggested
Step 5. Remember that existentialism states that it is up to each of us to make our life fulfilling by having complete control over it
Advice
- Remember that after becoming an existentialist, every action you take will have a specific meaning based on the consequences that come with it.
- Being an existentialist means living according to your own rules and will. Question all the moral values that have been passed on to you and the religious doctrine you have learned from others. Develop your thoughts and opinions.
- You should start by reading Nietzche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra (remember Nietzche was a nihilist. Still worth reading) and Sartre's Nausea.
- Try to understand that the value of life is subjective and ephemeral.
- Reading the books of philosophers such as Friedrich Nietzsche, Søren Kierkegaard and Jean-Paul Sartre will help you understand the meaning of existentialism. Although these have different points of view, they are considered existentialist. You won't share some of their ideas, but if you don't approve of the key concepts of existentialism, you can't consider yourself an existentialist.
Warnings
- Building your own value system, independent of your preconceptions about reality, is difficult. Remember that you are not fighting for your identity, but to fully enjoy your freedom.
- Existentialism is not suitable for everyone, in fact some people need to have a pre-established value system and are willing to fight to stick to this.
