Existentialism: From a Being Thrown to a Being Creating

A chair has a purpose (essence) determined even before it is made: ‘for sitting.’ But humans are different. We were thrown into this world without any purpose or reason. The philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre expressed this as “existence precedes essence.”

This phrase declares a fearful yet marvelous truth for us: the answer to who you are and why you live is not fixed anywhere, and you alone must create it.

I. Condemned to be Free

Sartre said that humans are “condemned to be free.”

Absolute Freedom: There is no God to direct us, nor an unavoidable destiny. We stand before a vast freedom where we must choose what to do every moment.
Heavy Responsibility: Because the only criterion for choice is oneself, the result of that choice is also entirely one’s own. Because of the weight of this freedom, we sometimes fall into ‘Bad Faith (Mauvaise Foi),’ denying our own freedom by saying, “I couldn’t help it.”

II. The Absurd and Rebellion

Albert Camus called the fact that the world has no meaning ‘The Absurd.’

The clash between the human who craves meaning and the world that remains silent. Camus saw ‘Rebellion’—living life to the end without despairing or running away in this void—as the dignity of a human. Even as Sisyphus receives the punishment of rolling a rock up forever, when he accepts that painful process as his own and smiles, he becomes a being stronger than fate.

III. How to Live Existentially?

Becoming Your Own Legislator: Establish values that you truly cherish yourself, rather than values set by parents, society, or religion.
Proving Myself Through Choices: The statement “I am this kind of person” is not important. You are the sum total of the choices you made yesterday and the actions you take today.
Affirming the Here and Now: Do not sacrifice the present for future rewards or heaven. Life at this moment must itself be the purpose.

IV. Overcoming Existential Anxiety

Anxiety is not evidence that you are doing something wrong, but evidence that you are alive and free. Do not despair at the fact that the canvas of your life is empty. Instead, feel your heart race at the infinite possibility that you can draw any picture.

Conclusion: You are an Artist Creating Yourself

Existentialism is not a cold nihilism. It is the hottest cheering song shouting, “Your life belongs to you.”

You are neither past memories nor others’ evaluations. You are the ‘choice’ itself made at this moment. Do not be a supporting character in a novel someone else is writing. Grip the pen tight and write your own story. The moment you give meaning to your own life, the meaningless universe will begin to realign centered on you.

Existentialism: You are the Only Author of the Book That is You