Philosophy
Existentialism Is a Humanism: 6 key ideas
The core ideas of Existentialism Is a Humanism, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
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- IDEA 1 OF 6
Existence precedes essence
Humans aren't born with a fixed purpose.
We define ourselves through what we choose and do.
- IDEA 2 OF 6
Condemned to be free
We can't escape choosing.
Even refusing to choose is a choice.
- IDEA 3 OF 6
Choosing for everyone
In deciding how to live, you implicitly propose an image of how people should be.
That makes choice weighty.
- IDEA 4 OF 6
Anguish is honest
Feeling the weight of total responsibility is uncomfortable but truthful.
- IDEA 5 OF 6
Bad faith
Pretending you have no choice, blaming role or circumstance, is self-deception.
- IDEA 6 OF 6
You are your actions
You are nothing more than the sum of what you actually do, not your intentions or potential.
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