Why Philosophy Matters in Daily Life
Philosophy often feels like a subject locked away in the halls of academia—reserved for long-winded debates or dense textbooks. But in reality, its true value lies in how it can help us navigate the complexities of everyday life. Think about it: philosophy offers tools for making sense of big decisions, managing emotions, and even finding meaning in the seemingly chaotic moments of our routine [7].
Take something as mundane as sitting in traffic. While most of us would just feel annoyed, applying a philosophical lens can shift our perspective. You might begin to reflect on patience, freedom, or even the absurdity of modern life [2].
Bridging the Abstract and the Tangible
Existentialism, popularized by philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre [1] and Simone de Beauvoir [3], offers particularly practical insights for daily living. This philosophy teaches us that while life lacks inherent meaning, we have the power—and responsibility—to create our own. The result? A more intentional and empowered approach to life [9].
Although existentialist ideas can seem abstract, they become incredibly relevant when applied to real-life struggles. Whether it’s feeling trapped in an unfulfilling job, overwhelmed by relationships, or indecisive about which path to take, existentialism helps connect the dots. It cuts through the noise and offers clarity and direction in a world that often feels chaotic [8].
Choosing a Philosophical Lens for Everyday Scenarios
Introducing Existentialism as a Lens
Existentialism starts from a straightforward yet profound premise: life doesn’t come with a prewritten script. Instead, we have the freedom—and the responsibility—to create our own meaning [1, 4]. This freedom, though liberating, can also feel overwhelming since it places the burden of choice squarely on our shoulders [6].
Key Tenets of Existentialism
To understand existentialism better, let’s break it into three key ideas:
Freedom: We are free to make our own choices, but freedom also comes with the responsibility for those choices [4].
Authenticity: Living authentically means staying true to who you are, rather than conforming to societal pressures [8].
The Absurd: Life’s lack of inherent meaning might seem unsettling at first, but it also creates an opportunity to define your own purpose [2].
Applying Existentialism to Daily Life
Navigating Work and Career Through Existentialism
Finding Meaning in Work: For many of us, work consumes a large part of our lives, yet finding meaning in our jobs can feel elusive. Existentialism suggests a shift in perspective: instead of expecting work to be inherently meaningful, we can bring meaning to it by aligning it with our personal values [9].
Imagine someone working as a corporate accountant who feels unfulfilled. Instead of viewing the role as a dead-end, they might find purpose by mentoring younger colleagues or dedicating their free time to creative pursuits they’re passionate about [7].
Confronting the Absurd in Office Culture: From endless meetings to office politics, the workplace often feels absurd. Existentialism invites us to embrace this absurdity with a sense of humor. Accepting that work can be both nonsensical and necessary helps us approach these challenges with resilience rather than resistance [2].
Existentialism and Relationships
Authenticity in Personal Connections: Relationships provide a rich opportunity for existential reflection. Are you truly being yourself with those you love, or do you hide behind masks to gain approval? Existentialism encourages honesty and transparency, even when it’s uncomfortable. True connection blossoms when we accept ourselves—and others—as imperfect but worthy of love [3].
Embracing Freedom and Responsibility in Love: While love is often idealized as destiny, existentialism frames it as a choice. Maintaining a relationship requires effort, freedom to grow, and responsibility toward your partner. By viewing love as an active commitment rather than a passive feeling, we can build deeper, more meaningful connections [4].
Everyday Decisions Through an Existential Lens
Decision-Making and the Burden of Freedom: Living in a world overflowing with options can feel paralyzing. But existentialism reframes this abundance of choice as an opportunity. Instead of fearing the weight of freedom, we can embrace it as a chance to shape a life that reflects our unique values and desires [6].
Owning the Outcomes of Your Choices: Existentialism also emphasizes personal responsibility. When we make decisions, we must accept the outcomes—good or bad. By refusing to blame external factors, we gain the power to adapt and grow from our experiences [1].
Infusing Meaning into Leisure Time: Hobbies might seem trivial on the surface, but they can become profound expressions of who we are. Whether you’re gardening, painting, or gaming, existentialism encourages you to immerse yourself in these activities for the joy of the process, rather than focusing on the end result [9].
In a time dominated by endless scrolling and binge-watching, existentialism also challenges us to reclaim our free time. Instead of defaulting to mindless distractions, we can choose activities that genuinely nourish our minds and souls, like exercising, volunteering, or learning something new [10].
Embracing Existentialism as a Philosophy for Living
A Step-by-Step Approach
Reflect on Your Values: Existentialism doesn’t hand you a universal roadmap—it’s up to you to decide what truly matters [3].
Practice Responsibility and Authenticity: Living authentically means staying true to yourself, even when it’s difficult [8].
The Challenges and Rewards of Living Existentially
The Discomfort of Freedom: Freedom can be intimidating, and existentialism doesn’t sugarcoat this reality. Embracing freedom means accepting the uncertainty and discomfort that come with it [4].
The Joy of Self-Defined Purpose: While challenging, living existentially is also deeply fulfilling. By creating your own sense of purpose, free from societal expectations, you can live an authentic and rewarding life [10].
Conclusion: Philosophy in a Chaotic World
Philosophy, especially existentialism, isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s a practical guide for navigating the messiness of everyday life. By applying its principles to work, relationships, and decisions, we can transform the ordinary into something deeply meaningful [7].
Existentialism doesn’t offer easy answers, but it equips us with the tools to face life’s uncertainties with courage, authenticity, and purpose [9].
References
Sartre, J.-P. (1946). Existentialism is a Humanism. Translated by Carol Macomber, Yale University Press, 2007.
Camus, A. (1942). The Myth of Sisyphus. Translated by Justin O'Brien, Vintage International, 1991.
Beauvoir, S. de (1949). The Ethics of Ambiguity. Translated by Bernard Frechtman, Citadel Press, 1976.
May, R. (1950). The Meaning of Anxiety. New York: Ronald Press.
Kierkegaard, S. (1843). Either/Or: A Fragment of Life. Translated by Alastair Hannay, Penguin Classics, 1992.
Heidegger, M. (1927). Being and Time. Translated by John Macquarrie and Edward Robinson, Harper & Row, 1962.
Flynn, T. R. (2006). Existentialism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
Warnock, M. (1970). Existentialism. Oxford University Press.
Solomon, R. C. (1974). Existentialism. McGraw-Hill Education.
Barrett, W. (1958). Irrational Man: A Study in Existential Philosophy. Anchor Books.
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