Existentialism is a philosophical movement that has been gaining attention in recent years.

It is a school of thought that emphasizes the individual’s freedom and choice in creating their own meaning and purpose in life, as well as the inherent meaninglessness of life.

This idea may sound daunting but applying existentialism in one’s life can bring about a sense of empowerment, self-reflection, and authenticity.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the origins of existentialism, the key principles, how it can be applied in one’s life, and the benefits of it.

What is Existentialism?

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

It emphasizes the individual’s freedom and choice in creating their own meaning and purpose in life, as well as the inherent meaninglessness of life.

One of the key principles of existentialism is that individuals are responsible for creating their own meaning and purpose in life, as there is no inherent purpose given by a higher power or external factor.

This means that individuals must take responsibility for their own lives and the choices they make, rather than relying on traditional concepts of morality or religion to guide them.

Another key principle of existentialism is the emphasis on the individual’s unique experience and subjectivity.

This means that each person’s perspective on the world is unique, and that there is no objective truth that can be known.

Existentialism also emphasizes the inherent isolation of the human condition, and the idea that individuals are ultimately alone in the world.

This isolation can lead to feelings of anxiety and alienation, but it can also be a source of freedom and empowerment, as individuals are free to create their own meaning and purpose in life.

Origins of Existentialism

Existentialism originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily as a response to the rapidly changing social and political landscape of the time.

The industrial revolution and the rise of science and technology had led to a sense of alienation and disconnection among many people, and existentialism emerged as a way to make sense of these feelings.

One of the key figures in the early development of existentialism is the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, who is often considered to be the “father of existentialism”.

Kierkegaard wrote about the individual’s subjective experience of the world and the importance of personal choice and freedom.

He also emphasized the importance of faith and the individual’s relationship with God.

Another key figure in the early development of existentialism is the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who rejected traditional morality and religion and emphasized the importance of the individual’s will to power.

Nietzsche’s ideas laid the foundation for much of the existentialist thought that followed.

The existentialism as a philosophical movement was popularized by Jean-Paul Sartre, Martin Heidegger, and other philosophers in the mid-20th century.

Sartre’s work focuses on the concept of freedom and the individual’s responsibility for their own existence, while Heidegger’s work focuses on the question of being, and the idea that individuals must understand their own existence in order to understand the world around them.

Existentialism also has some influence from the psychoanalytic theory of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, which have focus on the human psyche and its relation to the human condition.

Existentialism had a significant impact on literature, theatre, film, and art, and it continues to be an influential philosophy to this day.

Benefits of Existentialism

Existentialism has several benefits, including:

• Empowerment of the individual: Existentialism emphasizes the importance of personal freedom and choice, and encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own lives and the choices they make. By recognizing that they are the ones responsible for creating meaning and purpose in their lives, individuals can feel a sense of empowerment and agency.
• Encourages self-reflection: Existentialism encourages individuals to question their own existence and to think deeply about the nature of their lives. This self-reflection can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s place in the world.
• Promotes authenticity: Existentialism emphasizes the importance of living an authentic life, rather than conforming to societal expectations or living a life based on external validation. By living an authentic life, individuals can find true fulfillment and satisfaction.
• Acknowledges the complexities of the human condition: Existentialism acknowledges that life can be difficult and that there is no easy or objective answer to the question of existence. It accepts that human existence is complex and that individuals must navigate the world in their own way.
• Encourages individuality and creativity: Existentialism emphasizes the importance of individuality and creativity, as individuals are encouraged to create their own meaning and purpose in life. This can lead to a more fulfilling and creative life, as individuals are free to express themselves in unique ways.

On the flip side, Existentialism also has its own limitations and critiques, as it can be argued that it promotes a sense of hopelessness and pessimism, and it can be seen as to be too individualistic, leading to neglecting the impact of social, economic and political structures on individuals.

How to Apply Existentialism in Your Life

Here are a few ways to apply existentialism in your life:

1. Accept responsibility for your choices: Existentialism emphasizes that individuals are responsible for creating their own meaning in life. Accepting responsibility for your choices means recognizing that you are the one who ultimately determines the direction of your life, and that you are responsible for the consequences of your actions.
2. Embrace freedom and choice: Existentialism also emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and choice. Embracing this means recognizing that you have the power to shape your own life, and that you are not constrained by societal expectations or predetermined paths.
3. Recognize the inherent meaninglessness of life: Existentialism is often associated with the belief that life has no inherent meaning, and that individuals must create their own meaning. Recognizing this can help you to detach yourself from the expectation of finding a pre-defined purpose or goal in life, and instead focus on creating your own sense of purpose and meaning.
4. Create your own values: Another key aspect of existentialism is the idea that individuals must create their own values, rather than relying on pre-existing ones. This can be done by reflecting on what you believe is important, and then actively working to align your actions with those values.
5. Embrace uncertainty: Existentialism also emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty and the unknown, rather than trying to avoid it. This can be done by learning to be comfortable with ambiguity, and by embracing the unknown as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
6. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a key practice that can help you to more fully experience the present moment, and to be more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. This can help you to connect more deeply with your true self and to create a more authentic and meaningful life.
7. Develop authenticity: Existentialism emphasizes the importance of living an authentic life, rather than conforming to societal expectations or living inauthentically. To develop authenticity, try to be true to yourself and your own values, and avoid living your life based on what others expect of you.
8. Cultivate a sense of self-awareness: Self-awareness is an important aspect of existentialism, as it allows you to understand your own thoughts, feelings, and actions, and to make choices that align with your true self. To cultivate a sense of self-awareness, try to be mindful of your thoughts and feelings, and reflect on your actions and their motivations.
9. Seek out new experiences: Existentialism encourages individuals to seek out new experiences and to take risks, as this can help you to grow and evolve as a person. Try to step out of your comfort zone and explore new things, whether that means trying new hobbies or visiting new places.
10. Find your own purpose: As mentioned earlier, existentialism emphasizes the idea that individuals must create their own meaning and purpose in life. Finding your own purpose can be a challenging but rewarding process, and it may involve experimenting with different activities, values, and goals.
11. Practice self-acceptance: Existentialism encourages individuals to accept themselves as they are, rather than trying to change themselves to fit societal expectations. Practicing self-acceptance can help you to be more comfortable in your own skin, and to be more accepting of others as well.
12. Reflect on your own mortality: Finally, existentialism emphasizes the importance of reflecting on one’s own mortality, the fact that we have a limited time in this life and it will come to an end. Reflecting on your own mortality can help you to appreciate the present moment and to live your life in a more meaningful and authentic way.

It’s important to note that these points are not mutually exclusive, and that they can be combined in different ways to help you to apply existentialism in your life.

Famous Examples of Existentialism

Existentialism has been influential in the works and lives of many famous historical figures.

Here are a few examples:

• Jean-Paul Sartre: A French philosopher and one of the key figures in existentialism, Sartre is known for his belief in the freedom of the individual and the importance of personal responsibility. He believed that individuals must create their own meaning in life and that they are responsible for the choices they make. One of his most famous quotes is “Man is condemned to be free.”
• Friedrich Nietzsche: A German philosopher, poet, and cultural critic, Nietzsche is known for his critique of traditional morality and his emphasis on the importance of the individual. He believed that individuals should embrace their own freedom and creativity, and that they should strive to become “supermen” who transcend the limitations of traditional morality. Nietzsche wrote “Become who you are.”
• Albert Camus: A French philosopher, writer, and journalist, Camus is known for his belief in the inherent meaninglessness of life and the importance of individual freedom. He believed that individuals must create their own meaning in life, and that they should embrace the human condition and live in a way that is true to themselves. One of his famous quotes is “The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.”
• Martin Heidegger: A German philosopher and one of the key figures in existentialism, Heidegger emphasized the importance of individual freedom and the inherent meaninglessness of life. He believed that individuals must create their own meaning in life, and that they should strive to be authentic and true to themselves. He wrote “Being-in-the-world is a more primordial state than either the “I” or the “world” considered separately.”
• Simone de Beauvoir: A French feminist, writer and philosopher, Simone de Beauvoir is known for her belief in the importance of individual freedom and the need to challenge societal expectations. She believed that individuals should embrace their own freedom and strive to create their own meaning in life, regardless of their gender. One of her famous quote is “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.”

It’s worth noting that these figures were not exclusively existentialists and their philosophies were not limited to existentialism alone.

Additionally, their advice may be interpreted and applied differently based on an individual’s perspective.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, existentialism encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own lives and the choices they make, rather than relying on traditional concepts of morality or religion to guide them.

Additionally, it encourages self-reflection, promotes authenticity and helps individuals to understand their own existence in order to understand the world around them.

This school of thought might be challenging to understand, but for those who are willing to explore it, it can bring about a sense of empowerment, self-reflection, and authenticity.

The next time you’re feeling lost or uncertain, remember that through existentialism, you have the power to create your own meaning and purpose in life.

Now that I have shared what existentialism is about, and the practical ways you can apply it in your life, do you think this is a life philosophy which you will want to adopt?

For those already embracing this philosophy, what are some other ways which you have applied existentialism in your life?

Let me know in the comments below.

If you are excited to get more life hacks, also check out: “Beyond Financial Freedom: An Unofficial Guide to Living Your Best Life”

Stoicism is a philosophy that originated in ancient Greece and Rome that emphasizes the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions.

It teaches that by accepting the present moment as it is, we can achieve peace of mind and inner harmony.

Through the practice of Stoicism, you can learn to live a more virtuous and fulfilling life, and gain valuable insights on how to handle stress and adversity.

In this blog post, I will explore the origins and benefits of this life philosophy, and practical ways you can apply it in your life.

What is Stoicism?

Stoicism is a philosophy that originated in ancient Greece and was later developed by the Romans.

It is a philosophy of personal ethics that emphasizes the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions.

It teaches that by accepting the present moment as it is, we can achieve peace of mind and inner harmony.

The Stoics believed that by understanding the nature of the universe, and our place in it, we could live a virtuous life in accordance with reason and nature.

This approach advocates the development of self-control and resilience against destructive emotions, like anger, fear, or resentment.

The ultimate goal is to achieve a state of ataraxia (inner peace) and apatheia (emotionlessness) where the individual is not controlled by the emotions and is able to act rationally and ethically.

Origins of Stoicism

The origins of Stoicism can be traced back to ancient Greece, specifically to the city of Athens, where the philosopher Zeno of Citium founded the Stoic school of philosophy in the early 3rd century BCE.

Zeno was a student of the Cynic philosopher Crates of Thebes, but he rejected the Cynics’ way of life and instead focused on developing a rational system of ethics.

The Stoic philosophy was then developed by other philosophers such as Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius.

These philosophers are considered the three most prominent Stoics, and their texts, particularly the Enchiridion of Epictetus and the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, continue to be read and studied today.

Stoicism was popular among the educated elite of ancient Rome and it has had a significant influence on Western thought, it was a philosophy that was primarily concerned with personal ethics and self-improvement, it was a way of life and a way to find peace and wisdom within oneself and the world.

Stoicism was taught in famous places like the Stoa Poikile or painted porch in Athens, the Stoic school was one of the most influential and prominent schools of philosophy in ancient Greece and Rome.

Benefits of Stoicism

Stoicism can offer many benefits for those who choose to adopt its principles and practices.

Some of these benefits include:

• Inner peace and contentment: By accepting the present moment and focusing on what is within our control, we can avoid becoming consumed by negative emotions such as anger, fear, or resentment. This can lead to a sense of inner peace and contentment.
• Improved ability to handle stress and adversity: Stoicism teaches us to maintain a clear and rational mindset in difficult situations, which can help us to better handle stress and adversity.
• Self-control and resilience: Stoicism emphasizes the importance of self-control and resilience, helping us to develop the ability to maintain our composure and make rational decisions, even in difficult or challenging situations.
• Virtue development: Stoicism emphasizes the development of virtues such as wisdom, integrity, courage and self-control which can improve one’s character and make them a better person.
• Rational perspective: It encourages rational thinking, rather than emotional reactions, and to see things in a more objective perspective.
• Improves decision making: By focusing on what is within our control, and letting go of what is not, we can make more effective and well-informed decisions.
• Self-awareness and self-improvement: Through the practice of stoicism, we can become more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and actions, which can help us to identify areas for self-improvement.
• Acceptance: Stoicism encourages acceptance of the present moment, and teaches that by accepting what we cannot change, we can let go of negative emotions, and find a sense of peace.

In general, Stoicism can lead to a more balanced, virtuous and rational way of life, which can have a positive impact on one’s personal and professional life.

How to Apply Stoicism in Your Life

To apply Stoicism in your life, you can try the following practical tips and examples:

1. Self-awareness: Start by becoming more aware of your thoughts and emotions. Try to identify when you are getting caught up in negative emotions and try to step back and observe them from a distance. This will help you to understand your own thought patterns, which can aid in self-improvement.
2. Acceptance: Practice acceptance by focusing on what is within your control and letting go of things you cannot control. This will help to reduce feelings of frustration and powerlessness, and improve your ability to cope with difficult situations.
3. Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness, meditation and journaling to help with self-awareness and to practice acceptance. This can also improve emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility and self-awareness,
4. Practice gratitude: Try to focus on what you have rather than what you don’t have, and practice gratitude for the positive things in your life.
5. Separate what you can change and what you cannot change: Try to separate things you can change and things you cannot change, this will help to reduce feelings of frustration and powerlessness.
6. Negative visualization: Practice negative visualization, where you imagine losing something you hold dear, so you can appreciate what you have. This will help you to develop a sense of perspective and gratitude.
7. Cultivate virtues: Cultivate virtues such as integrity, courage, wisdom, and self-control. Incorporating these values into your life can improve your character and lead to a more virtuous and fulfilling life.
8. Keep a rational perspective: Try to keep a rational perspective in difficult situations. Remember that emotions are temporary and that things will pass. Practice rationality and logical thinking.
9. Read and study the works of Stoic philosophers: Read and study the works of Stoic philosophers such as Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius. These philosophers offer valuable insights and practical advice on how to apply Stoicism in daily life.
10. Start small: Try to apply stoic principles in small aspects of your life, such as how to deal with a traffic jam, or an unresponsive coworker, small victories will make it easier to apply it to bigger aspects of your life.
11. Be mindful of your actions: Be mindful of your actions and the choices you make, always try to act in a virtuous way.
12. Focus on what is essential: Stoicism teaches to focus on what is essential, prioritize your goals and values, and let go of things that don’t align with them.
13. Be resilient: Cultivate resilience, practice facing difficult challenges and setbacks with a calm, rational, and detached attitude.

Famous Examples of Stoicism

There have been many famous historical figures who have applied Stoicism in their lives and have shared their practical advice on how to live a virtuous and fulfilling life.

Some of the most notable figures include:

• Epictetus: A slave turned philosopher who taught that the key to happiness is to focus on our own actions rather than external events. He taught that by understanding the difference between what we can control and what we cannot control, we can reduce feelings of frustration and powerlessness. Epictetus emphasized the importance of self-discipline, and stated that the mind should be trained to remain calm in the face of adversity.
• Seneca: A Roman philosopher and statesman who wrote extensively on the practical application of Stoicism in daily life. Seneca believed that by understanding the nature of the universe, we can live in accordance with reason and nature, and that we should focus on cultivating virtues such as wisdom, courage, and self-control. He also stressed the importance of self-awareness and self-improvement.
• Marcus Aurelius: Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher who wrote in his famous book “Meditations” about how to live a virtuous life in the face of adversity. Marcus Aurelius advocated for the importance of virtue, self-control and rationality. He also emphasized the need to detach oneself from emotions, to focus on what is in one’s control, and to live a life of service to others.

All these figures and many others, offer practical advice on how to apply Stoicism in daily life, their works are still read and studied today, for the valuable insights and wisdom that they provide.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that can offer many benefits for those new to it.

It emphasizes the development of self-control and resilience against destructive emotions, and encourages accepting the present moment and focus on what is in one’s control, leading to inner peace and contentment.

It also offers valuable insights on how to handle stress and adversity, virtues development and rational thinking, making it a valuable tool to improve one’s personal and professional life and find inner peace.

Now that I have shared what stoicism is about, and the practical ways you can apply it in your life, do you think this is a life philosophy which you will want to adopt?

For those already embracing this philosophy, what are some other ways which you have applied stoicism in your life?

Let me know in the comments below.

If you are excited to get more life hacks, also check out: “Beyond Financial Freedom: An Unofficial Guide to Living Your Best Life”