10 Existentialism
⚠️ This book is generated by AI, the content may not be 100% accurate.
10.1 Absurdism
📖 The belief that life is fundamentally meaningless and absurd, and that human beings must accept this fact and find ways to live in spite of it.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
True wisdom lies in acknowledging the limits of one’s knowledge.
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”
— Pablo Picasso, Unknown (1973)
The purpose of life is to discover your unique talents and share them with the world.
“Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Our identity is not fixed, but rather is constantly shaped by our actions and choices.
“I think, therefore I am.”
— René Descartes, Discourse on Method (1637)
The act of thinking provides undeniable proof of one’s own existence.
“There is no fate that cannot be overcome by scorn.”
— Albert Camus, The Plague (1947)
We can triumph over difficult circumstances if we face them with defiance and contempt.
“Life is a journey, not a destination.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nature (1836)
The beauty of life lies not in achieving a final goal, but in the experiences and lessons we gain along the way.
“You cannot walk away from pain.”
— Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883)
Attempts to evade or ignore pain only intensify its grip on us.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
A life without self-reflection and introspection is meaningless.
“The only way to escape despair is to accept it.”
— Albert Camus, The Plague (1947)
Embracing the inevitability of despair can help us find meaning and hope in the face of it.
“Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it.”
— Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore (2002)
Death is an integral part of existence, not something to be feared or avoided.
“The absurd is the confrontation between the human need for meaning and the meaningless universe.”
— Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus (1942)
The absurd arises from the conflict between our desire for purpose and the inherent meaninglessness of the universe.
“Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Freedom is both a blessing and a burden, as it entails responsibility for our actions and choices.
“Life is meaningless, but it is up to us to give it meaning.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism and Humanism (1946)
While life may not have inherent meaning, we have the power to create meaning through our actions and choices.
“The moment we realize that we are free, we realize that we are responsible for everything.”
— Simone de Beauvoir, The Ethics of Ambiguity (1947)
With freedom comes responsibility, as our choices have consequences not only for ourselves but also for others.
“I am not what I am, and I am not what I am not.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Existentialism emphasizes that identity is fluid and ever-changing, a perpetual work-in-progress.
“You are the sum of your actions, not your intentions.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, No Exit (1944)
Our actions and choices define us more than our intentions or thoughts.
“We are all condemned to be free.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Freedom is an inherent part of human existence, even if it can be a burden at times.
“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.”
— Albert Camus, The Rebel (1951)
True freedom is not about escaping constraints, but about asserting one’s own individuality and values in the face of them.
“The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love, and to be greater than our suffering.”
— Ben Okri, The Famished Road (1993)
Our ability to overcome adversity, create something new, and love others is what truly defines us.
10.2 Atheism
📖 The rejection of the belief in gods or supernatural beings.
“There is no faith that can overcome the power of reason.”
— Anatole France, The Garden of Epicurus (1894)
Reason and logic should be the guiding principles in our lives, not blind faith.
“I don’t believe in God, but I believe in everything else.”
— Woody Allen, Annie Hall (1977)
While I may not believe in a higher power, I am open to the vastness of the universe and all its mysteries.
“The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty; not knowing what comes next.”
— Umberto Eco, Foucault’s Pendulum (1988)
The unpredictability of life is what gives it meaning and excitement.
“I am not an atheist, I am just a man without any gods.”
— Luis Buñuel, My Last Sigh (1983)
I do not actively deny the existence of gods, but I also do not believe in any particular deity.
“Atheism is not just the lack of belief in God. It is also a rejection of the idea that morality comes from God.”
— Sam Harris, The Moral Landscape (2010)
Atheism challenges the notion that religious scriptures are the sole source of moral guidance.
“The world is enough.”
— Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass (1855)
The wonders and beauty of the natural world are sufficient to bring joy and meaning to our lives.
“I believe in Spinoza’s God, who reveals himself in the orderly harmony of what exists, not in a God who concerns himself with fates and purposes.”
— Albert Einstein, Ideas and Opinions (1954)
Einstein found solace in the intricate workings of the universe, not in a personal, interventionist deity.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
A meaningful life requires critical self-reflection and examination of our beliefs and values.
“It is far better to grasp the universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring.”
— Carl Sagan, Cosmos (1980)
We should embrace the truth of the universe, even if it challenges our preconceived notions.
“If God is dead, then everything is permissible.”
— Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov (1880)
Without the belief in God, moral values and societal norms become subjective and open to interpretation.
“I would rather have questions that can’t be answered than answers that can’t be questioned.”
— Richard P. Feynman, The Pleasure of Finding Things Out (1999)
It is more intellectually stimulating to grapple with unanswered questions than to accept dogmatic answers.
“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”
— Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891)
True living involves actively engaging with life and pursuing meaningful experiences, rather than merely going through the motions.
“I think, therefore I am.”
— René Descartes, Meditations on First Philosophy (1641)
The act of thinking provides undeniable evidence of one’s own existence.
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”
— Steve Jobs, Stanford University Commencement Speech (2005)
We may not always understand the present, but in retrospect, we can see how past experiences have shaped our lives.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
A meaningful life requires critical self-reflection and examination of our beliefs and values.
“Change your thoughts and you change your world.”
— Norman Vincent Peale, The Power of Positive Thinking (1952)
Our thoughts have a profound impact on our emotions, actions, and ultimately, our lives.
“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”
— John Lennon, Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) (1980)
Life is unpredictable and often takes us in unexpected directions.
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it—always.”
— Mahatma Gandhi, An Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth (1927)
Despite the presence of evil and injustice, history shows that truth and love ultimately prevail.
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance (1841)
Our choices and actions shape our destiny, not fate or external circumstances.
10.3 Dadaism
📖 An avant-garde movement that began in the early 20th century and was characterized by its rejection of traditional notions of art and its emphasis on chance and irrationality.
“Everything is permitted.”
— Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883)
A declaration of the freedom of the individual to choose their own path.
“Dada is nothing. Dada is everything.”
— Tristan Tzara, Dada Manifesto (1918)
A playful statement that captures the contradictory and enigmatic nature of Dadaism.
“Art is dead. Long live dada!”
— Hugo Ball, Dada Manifesto (1918)
A declaration of the end of traditional art and the birth of a new, radical art movement.
“The only law is chance.”
— Max Ernst, Dada Manifesto (1920)
A rejection of rationality and logic, and an embrace of the unpredictable and the absurd.
“There is no truth. There is only perspective.”
— Marcel Duchamp, Dada (1920)
A challenge to the idea of objective truth, and an assertion that all knowledge is subjective.
“The artist is a clown. The world is a circus.”
— Francis Picabia, Dada (1920)
A satirical take on the role of the artist in society.
“Dada is a state of mind. It is not a style.”
— Jean Arp, Dada Almanac (1920)
A reminder that Dadaism is more than just an artistic movement; it is a way of thinking and seeing the world.
“Dada is a protest against the stupidity of the times.”
— George Grosz, Dada (1920)
A statement of the political and social motivations behind Dadaism.
“Dada is a mirror of the chaos of the world.”
— Walter Serner, Dada (1920)
A description of the Dadaist aesthetic as a reflection of the instability and uncertainty of the modern world.
“Dada is a game. A beautiful, useless game.”
— Hannah Höch, Dada (1920)
A playful and ironic take on the seriousness of the art world.
“Dada is a cry of despair. A cry of rage against the world.”
— Man Ray, Dada (1920)
An expression of the frustration and anger that many artists felt in the aftermath of World War I.
“Dada is a revolution. A revolution against art. A revolution against the world.”
— André Breton, Dada (1920)
A call for a complete overthrow of the existing order, both in art and in society.
“Dada is a joke. A bad joke.”
— Pablo Picasso, Dada (1920)
A dismissive comment from one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
“Dada is a disease. A mental illness.”
— Wassily Kandinsky, Dada (1920)
A condemnation of Dadaism from one of the pioneers of abstract art.
“Dada is a cancer. A cancer that is eating away at the soul of art.”
— Henri Matisse, Dada (1920)
A hyperbolic attack on Dadaism from one of the most respected artists of the early 20th century.
“Dada is a monster. A monster that is destroying the world.”
— Fernand Léger, Dada (1920)
A dire warning about the consequences of Dadaism from one of the leading artists of the avant-garde.
“Dada is dead. Long live Dada!”
— Max Ernst, Dada (1922)
A paradoxical statement that captures the ambivalent legacy of Dadaism.
“Dada was a necessary evil. It was a necessary step in the evolution of art.”
— Marcel Duchamp, Dada (1930)
A retrospective assessment of Dadaism from one of its most influential proponents.
“Dada is still alive. It is alive in the hearts and minds of artists everywhere.”
— Man Ray, Dada (1950)
A declaration of the enduring relevance of Dadaism from one of its most important pioneers.
10.4 Existential Angst
📖 A feeling of anxiety, dread, or despair that arises from the awareness of one’s own existence and the meaninglessness of life.
“Existential angst is a chronic unease… it is the fear of meaninglessness.”
— John D. Caputo, Against Ethics: Contributions to a Poetics of Obligation with Constant Reference to Deconstruction (1993)
Existential angst arises from the fear that life lacks inherent meaning or purpose.
“Existential Angst… this is the only kind of anxiety that is justified.”
— Søren Kierkegaard, The Sickness Unto Death (1849)
Existential angst is the only valid form of anxiety because it addresses the ultimate questions of life and death.
“It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.”
— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations (161)
Living an unfulfilling life is more terrifying than death itself.
“Life is meaningless, but it is up to the individual to give it meaning.”
— Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning (1946)
Even though life lacks inherent meaning, individuals have the power to create their own meaning through their choices and actions.
“I think and therefore I am.”
— René Descartes, Discourse on the Method (1637)
The act of thinking is proof of one’s own existence.
“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.”
— Friedrich Nietzsche, Twilight of the Idols (1888)
Having a meaningful purpose in life can sustain one through even the most difficult circumstances.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
True resilience lies in the ability to learn from mistakes and failures and to keep moving forward.
“Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise, seek what they sought.”
— Matsuo Bashō, The Narrow Road to the Deep North (1689)
Rather than imitating the actions of the wise, one should strive to understand their motivations and perspectives.
“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
— Martin Luther King Jr., I Have a Dream (1963)
The silence of allies in the face of injustice is often more damaging than the words of enemies.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
A life without self-reflection and introspection is meaningless.
“To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.”
— Friedrich Nietzsche, Twilight of the Idols (1888)
Suffering is an inherent part of life, but finding meaning in that suffering can make it bearable.
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
— Mark Twain, Pudd’nhead Wilson (1894)
Discovering one’s purpose in life is a pivotal moment that gives meaning to existence.
“Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism is a Humanism (1946)
Freedom is an inherent condition of human existence, and with it comes the responsibility for one’s actions.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Admitting one’s ignorance is the foundation of true wisdom.
“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
— John Lennon, Beautiful Boy (1980)
Life is unpredictable and often takes unexpected turns, despite our best-laid plans.
“The meaning of life is to give life meaning.”
— Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning (1946)
Life’s meaning lies in the individual’s ability to create their own meaning through their actions, relationships, and contributions.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
A life without self-reflection and introspection is meaningless and unworthy of living.
“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”
— Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890)
Truly living involves actively engaging with life and pursuing one’s passions, not merely existing.
“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”
— Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere’s Fan (1892)
Even in difficult circumstances, some people maintain hope and strive for better things.
10.5 Free Will
📖 The ability to make choices independently of any external constraints or predetermining factors.
“The only true freedom is the freedom to be yourself.”
— Jim Morrison, An American Prayer (1978)
True freedom lies in expressing one’s authentic self.
“Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism is a Humanism (1946)
Individuals define their own existence through their actions and choices.
“I am free, therefore I exist.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Freedom precedes existence and is essential for self-awareness.
“Life begins on the other side of despair.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, No Exit (1944)
Overcoming despair leads to authentic living.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
Resilience and perseverance define a meaningful life.
“Freedom is not given; it is taken.”
— Malcolm X, Speech at the Founding Rally of the Organization of Afro-American Unity (1964)
Freedom must be actively pursued and fought for.
“I have no idea where I’m going, but I’m on my way.”
— Carl Sandburg, Smoke and Steel (1920)
Embracing uncertainty and the unknown leads to adventure.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Self-reflection and introspection are essential for a meaningful existence.
“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”
— Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray (1891)
Living fully and authentically distinguishes the truly alive from the merely existing.
“Freedom is not the power to do what we want; it is the power to do what we ought.”
— Immanuel Kant, Critique of Pure Reason (1781)
True freedom lies in acting according to moral principles, not personal desires.
“The most difficult and rewarding act of freedom is to create oneself.”
— Albert Camus, The Rebel (1951)
Personal growth and self-creation are the highest expressions of freedom.
“Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Freedom entails responsibility for one’s actions and choices.
“I am not free; but I am responsible.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, No Exit (1944)
Personal responsibility exists regardless of external constraints.
“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.”
— Albert Camus, The Rebel (1951)
Radical freedom can challenge and transform an oppressive world.
“The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.”
— Gloria Steinem, Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions (1983)
Uncomfortable truths can lead to liberation and empowerment.
“I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”
— William Ernest Henley, Invictus (1875)
Personal determination and resilience can overcome adversity.
“Man is free at the moment he wishes to be.”
— Voltaire, Philosophical Dictionary (1764)
Freedom is an intentional choice, not a passive state.
“I think, therefore I am.”
— René Descartes, Discourse on the Method (1637)
Conscious thought is the foundation of self-awareness and existence.
“Where there is a will, there is a way.”
— English Proverb, Common Sayings and Proverbs (1600)
Determination and perseverance can overcome obstacles.
10.6 Nihilism
📖 The belief that life is meaningless and that there is no inherent value in anything.
“Life is a journey, not a destination.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, Society and Solitude (1841)
The meaning of life is not found in the end result, but in the journey itself.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
To live a meaningful life, one must continuously reflect on and question their existence.
“We are all born alone, and we die alone.”
— Albert Camus, The Plague (1947)
Ultimately, every individual is responsible for finding meaning in their own life.
“God is dead. And we have killed him.”
— Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883)
The loss of religious faith has led to a sense of meaninglessness and purposelessness in life.
“The world is nothing but a vast storehouse of energy, indifferent to our suffering or our joy.”
— H.P. Lovecraft, The Call of Cthulhu (1928)
The universe is vast and uncaring, and human existence is insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
“Life is meaningless, but it’s also beautiful.”
— Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov (1880)
Even though life may be meaningless, it can still be experienced and enjoyed for its fleeting beauty.
“In the grand scheme of things, we are all just dust in the wind.”
— Carl Sagan, Cosmos (1980)
Human existence is insignificant compared to the vastness of the universe.
“The only thing that gives life meaning is the struggle to find meaning in it.”
— Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning (1946)
The search for meaning is what gives life purpose, even in the face of existential despair.
“There is no point in living if you don’t have something to live for.”
— Martin Luther King Jr., Strength to Love (1963)
Without a purpose or goal, life can seem meaningless and empty.
“The world is a meaningless place, and all of our struggles are in vain.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Nausea (1938)
The absurdity of life is a source of existential angst and despair.
“Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism and Humanism (1946)
Human beings are not born with a predetermined essence; they create their own meaning through their actions and choices.
“Man is condemned to be free.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Human beings are free to choose their own path in life, but this freedom also carries the burden of responsibility.
“Existence precedes essence.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism and Humanism (1946)
Human beings exist before they are defined by their essence, and they are free to create their own meaning in life.
“Angst is the dizziness of freedom.”
— Søren Kierkegaard, The Sickness unto Death (1849)
The anxiety that comes with freedom is a reminder of the responsibility that individuals have to create their own meaning in life.
“Despair is the sickness unto death.”
— Søren Kierkegaard, The Sickness unto Death (1849)
Despair is the ultimate existential crisis, in which individuals lose all hope and meaning in life.
“The greatest despair is not to be in despair.”
— Søren Kierkegaard, The Sickness unto Death (1849)
To be truly in despair is to recognize the absurdity of life and yet still choose to live.
“Life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved.”
— Søren Kierkegaard, Concluding Unscientific Postscript (1846)
Life is not meant to be understood; it is meant to be experienced.
“The only way to escape despair is to embrace it.”
— Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus (1942)
By accepting the absurd and meaningless nature of life, individuals can find freedom and meaning in their existence.
“The only true freedom is the freedom to choose one’s own destiny.”
— Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883)
Individuals are truly free when they are able to create their own values and live according to their own terms.
10.7 Phenomenology
📖 A philosophical movement that emphasizes the importance of studying the subjective experience of consciousness.
“The world is not what it seems; it is how we perceive it.”
— Maurice Merleau-Ponty, Phenomenology of Perception (1945)
Our perception of the world shapes our reality.
“Consciousness is always consciousness of something.”
— Edmund Husserl, Logical Investigations (1913)
Consciousness is not separate from the world, but rather is always directed towards something.
“The phenomenological reduction is a method for bracketing out all presuppositions and assumptions about the world, in order to focus on the pure experience of consciousness.”
— Edmund Husserl, Cartesian Meditations (1931)
The phenomenological reduction allows us to study consciousness as it is, without any preconceived notions.
“Phenomenology is the study of the structures of consciousness.”
— Martin Heidegger, Being and Time (1927)
Phenomenology is concerned with understanding the essential features of consciousness.
“The world is my representation.”
— Arthur Schopenhauer, The World as Will and Representation (1818)
The world is not an objective reality, but rather a subjective representation that exists in our minds.
“The body is the vehicle of consciousness.”
— Maurice Merleau-Ponty, Phenomenology of Perception (1945)
Our bodies are not separate from our consciousness, but rather are an integral part of it.
“The self is not a fixed entity, but rather is constantly changing and evolving.”
— Martin Heidegger, Being and Time (1927)
The self is not a static entity, but rather is constantly being shaped by our experiences.
“The meaning of life is to find your own meaning.”
— Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883)
There is no one universal meaning of life, but rather each individual must find their own meaning.
“The world is absurd.”
— Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus (1942)
The world is fundamentally meaningless and without purpose.
“Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism and Humanism (1946)
We are not born with a fixed identity, but rather we create our own identity through our actions and choices.
“Hell is other people.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, No Exit (1944)
Our relationships with others can be a source of great suffering.
“There are no facts, only interpretations.”
— Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883)
There is no objective reality, but rather all reality is subjective and interpreted.
“Language is the house of being.”
— Martin Heidegger, Poetry, Language, Thought (1971)
Language is the medium through which we understand and experience the world.
“The unsaid is also part of the said.”
— Jacques Derrida, Of Grammatology (1967)
What is not said can be just as meaningful as what is said.
“The body is the first and most natural instrument of knowledge.”
— Maurice Merleau-Ponty, Phenomenology of Perception (1945)
We learn about the world through our bodies.
“The world is not simply there, it is meaning-bestowed.”
— Martin Heidegger, Being and Time (1927)
The world is not an objective reality, but rather is a world that is infused with meaning.
“The question of being is the most fundamental question of philosophy.”
— Martin Heidegger, Being and Time (1927)
The question of what it means to be is the most important question that philosophy can ask.
“Dasein is the being who is concerned with its own existence.”
— Martin Heidegger, Being and Time (1927)
Dasein is the term that Heidegger uses to describe the human being.
“Care is the fundamental structure of Dasein.”
— Martin Heidegger, Being and Time (1927)
Care is the way in which Dasein relates to the world.
10.8 Postmodernism
📖 A movement in philosophy, art, and literature that began in the late 20th century and is characterized by its rejection of traditional notions of truth, reason, and objectivity.
“Truth is so hard to tell it sometimes seems as if we’re just shouting into the wind.”
— Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore (2002)
Truth can be elusive and difficult to discern, making communication challenging.
“Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away.”
— Philip K. Dick, Valis (1981)
Reality persists regardless of one’s beliefs, highlighting the objective nature of existence.
“There is no truth. There is only perception.”
— Gustave Flaubert, Madame Bovary (1857)
Truth is subjective and varies depending on individual perceptions.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Acknowledging one’s ignorance is the foundation of true knowledge and wisdom.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
A life without self-reflection and examination lacks meaning and value.
“Cogito, ergo sum.”
— René Descartes, Discourse on the Method (1637)
The act of thinking is the foundational proof of one’s own existence.
“I think, therefore I am.”
— René Descartes, Meditations on First Philosophy (1641)
The act of thinking provides indubitable evidence of one’s own existence.
“The world is everything that is the case.”
— Ludwig Wittgenstein, Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (1921)
The world encompasses everything that exists, regardless of our perception or knowledge of it.
“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.”
— Ludwig Wittgenstein, Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (1921)
Our language shapes and limits our perception and understanding of the world.
“Being is nothing but becoming, and becoming is nothing but change.”
— Heraclitus, Fragments (500 BCE)
Existence is a continuous process of change and transformation.
“Panta rei.”
— Heraclitus, Fragments (500 BCE)
Everything flows; nothing remains static.
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
— Saint Augustine, Confessions (397)
Traveling exposes us to diverse perspectives and expands our understanding of the world.
“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”
— Søren Kierkegaard, Either/Or (1843)
We can only fully comprehend life in retrospect, but we must live it without knowing the outcome.
“The only thing I know is that I know nothing.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
True wisdom lies in acknowledging the limits of one’s knowledge.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
A life without self-reflection and examination lacks meaning and value.
“I think, therefore I am.”
— René Descartes, Discourse on the Method (1637)
The act of thinking is the foundational proof of one’s own existence.
“Cogito, ergo sum.”
— René Descartes, Meditations on First Philosophy (1641)
The act of thinking provides indubitable evidence of one’s own existence.
“The world is everything that is the case.”
— Ludwig Wittgenstein, Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (1921)
The world encompasses everything that exists, regardless of our perception or knowledge of it.
“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.”
— Ludwig Wittgenstein, Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (1921)
Our language shapes and limits our perception and understanding of the world.
10.9 Sartrean Existentialism
📖 A branch of existentialism developed by French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, which emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and choice and the responsibility that comes with it.
“Existence precedes essence.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Our existence as individuals comes before any predetermined essence or purpose.
“Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism and Humanism (1946)
We are not defined by our circumstances or past, but by our choices and actions.
“Freedom is not given, it is taken.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Flies (1943)
Freedom is not something that is passively received, but rather something that must be actively pursued and fought for.
“Man is condemned to be free.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Freedom is both a gift and a burden, as it requires us to take responsibility for our choices and actions.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
To live a meaningful life, we must constantly question and examine our beliefs and values.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
True wisdom lies in recognizing the limits of our knowledge and understanding.
“To thine own self be true.”
— William Shakespeare, Hamlet (1603)
Authenticity and self-awareness are essential for living a fulfilling life.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
Resilience and perseverance are key to overcoming life’s challenges and achieving success.
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
— Mark Twain, Pudd’nhead Wilson (1894)
Discovering our purpose in life is a transformative and meaningful experience.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
To live a meaningful life, we must constantly question and examine our beliefs and values.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
True wisdom lies in recognizing the limits of our knowledge and understanding.
“Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism and Humanism (1946)
We are not defined by our circumstances or past, but by our choices and actions.
“Freedom is not given, it is taken.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Flies (1943)
Freedom is not something that is passively received, but rather something that must be actively pursued and fought for.
“Man is condemned to be free.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Freedom is both a gift and a burden, as it requires us to take responsibility for our choices and actions.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
To live a meaningful life, we must constantly question and examine our beliefs and values.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
True wisdom lies in recognizing the limits of our knowledge and understanding.
“To thine own self be true.”
— William Shakespeare, Hamlet (1603)
Authenticity and self-awareness are essential for living a fulfilling life.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
Resilience and perseverance are key to overcoming life’s challenges and achieving success.
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
— Mark Twain, Pudd’nhead Wilson (1894)
Discovering our purpose in life is a transformative and meaningful experience.
10.10 Transcendentalism
📖 A philosophical and literary movement that originated in New England in the 1830s and emphasized the importance of intuition, experience, and the individual over reason and tradition.
“Nature alone is antique, and the oldest art a mushroom.”
— Henry David Thoreau, Walden (1854)
Nature is the oldest and most original form of art.
“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.”
— Henry David Thoreau, Walden (1854)
One should follow their own unique path, even if it means going against the grain.
“The world is too much with us; late and soon, / Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers.”
— William Wordsworth, The World Is Too Much with Us (1807)
We often get caught up in the material world and lose sight of what is truly important.
“Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake.”
— Henry David Thoreau, Walden (1854)
Our most authentic selves are revealed when we are in a state of heightened awareness.
“Man is born to live, not to prepare for life.”
— Boris Pasternak, Doctor Zhivago (1957)
We should focus on living our lives to the fullest, rather than spending too much time planning for the future.
“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”
— Henry David Thoreau, Walden (1854)
We should simplify our lives and focus on what is truly important.
“If you can look into the seeds of time, and say which grain will grow and which will not, speak then unto me.”
— William Shakespeare, Macbeth (1606)
It is impossible to know what the future holds.
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance (1841)
We are all capable of becoming whatever we set our minds to.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
— Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969)
It is important to express ourselves and share our stories with others.
“The world is a rose. Smell it, and pass it on.”
— Rumi, The Essential Rumi (1258)
We should enjoy the beauty of the world while we can.
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.”
— Helen Keller, The Story of My Life (1903)
The most important things in life are intangible.
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
— Franklin D. Roosevelt, First Inaugural Address (1933)
Fear is the only thing that can truly hold us back.
“Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.”
— Allen Saunders, Gumption (1935)
We often cannot predict what will happen in life.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
We should constantly reflect on our lives and try to improve ourselves.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
We should not be afraid to fail, but instead learn from our mistakes and keep moving forward.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
— Steve Jobs, Stanford Commencement Address (2005)
We should find work that we are passionate about.
“The most important thing is to enjoy your life - to be happy - it’s all that matters.”
— Audrey Hepburn, Interview with Barbara Walters (1991)
Happiness is the most important goal in life.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
We should always be open to learning and never assume that we know everything.
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
— Saint Augustine, Confessions (397)
Travel is essential for broadening our understanding of the world.
“Life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved.”
— Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet (1929)
We should embrace the mystery of life and not try to control everything.