I Am an Existentialist

I consider myself an existentialist. There are two basic approaches to this philosophy: either one rejoices in the freedom of the idea that a higher power is not imposing rules and purpose onto our existence, or, one sinks beneath the burden of responsibility that this bequeaths. Existentialists like Sartre, who can only see the bleak and meaningless aspects of living, have missed the opportunity that this philosophy gives to structure and guide their lives based on their own inner moral principles. I think that the inability to cope with inherent absence of meaning points to a dependence on the guidance of a higher power: in effect, a reluctance to take responsibility for oneself. I see existentialism as an incredibly liberating philosophy. No longer are we bound to say "Hail Mary" to save our souls as in the fourteenth century, for we can each guide our own destiny in a way not possible under many previous western philosophies. The quote above epitomizes the essence of joyful existentialism: the search for truth (personal truth, if not artistic, scientific or numerical) and the thrill of experience (domestic, if not exotic or outlandish) are pillars of personal meaning on which to build the future and from which to view the past, while living in the present.

Seen from a completely detached point of view, there really is no meaning, not only in human life but in any kind of existence at all. From that far-off point, neither life nor death really matters, because neither has any lasting consequences. But as soon as one attaches oneself to anything, that thing gains meaning. There doesn't seem to be a kind of universal moral truth available for the taking. That does not mean that the pursuit of such a truth is unworthy, but ...

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... Very well, then; I resign myself to the fact that I will not be able to have every single experience available. I definitely do not resign myself to the suggestion that this means I shouldn't try to do everything. The journey is, in the end, what will be remembered. Process is so important because it can be learned from. Goals are important too, because they validate the process and provide a point of reference from which to view the results, but I like to always be moving. Even before one experience has been fulfilled, I like to have another waiting on the wings, ready to take center stage. To me, the meat of life can be found in many different ways; I like to dig and search and sniff around and get my hands in the dirt. Things are more fun that way.

"We make our world significant by the courage of our questions and the depth of our experience." - Carl Sagan