Meaning of Human Existence Through the Lens of Existentialism

Human beings have always searched for answers. For generations, we have looked at the stars and into our own hearts, asking the same questions. Why are we here? What is the purpose of life? Why do we suffer? Despite all our progress in science and knowledge, these questions remain unanswered. Yet it is precisely in these quiet spaces of reflection that existentialist philosophy finds its voice. It does not promise easy comfort. Instead, it invites us to face life’s uncertainty with honesty and courage. Therefore, rather than avoiding difficult questions, existentialism urges us to confront them directly as part of understanding the meaning of human existence.

The Birth of the Meaning of Human Existence

Existentialism was born out of crisis. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Europe faced wars, political turmoil and the collapse of old systems. As a result, people began to question the foundations of society, faith and identity. Out of this widespread uncertainty came a new way of thinking. Philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir explored what it means to exist as a human being in a world that offers no guarantees.

These thinkers did not agree on everything. Nevertheless, they shared the belief that meaning is not handed to us at birth. Life does not come with a fixed purpose. Instead, each person must create their own meaning through conscious choice and responsibility. In doing so, we shape not only our lives but the world around us.

Existence Precedes Essence

The idea that existence precedes essence is central to existentialist thought. Jean-Paul Sartre used this phrase to challenge the belief that humans are born with a fixed nature. There is no destiny written for us. We are born, we live, and only through our actions do we define who we truly are.

This belief in freedom gives us power, but also great responsibility. Without a map to follow, we must decide for ourselves what kind of life to lead. Of course, it is not always easy. However, it allows us to shape our identity through deliberate and conscious choices. In this process, we discover not only ourselves but also the possibilities life offers.

Anxiety as Part of Freedom

With freedom comes uncertainty. Existentialist philosophers recognize that anxiety is part of being truly free. Martin Heidegger wrote that this anxiety is not something to fear. On the contrary, it is something that awakens us. It comes when we understand the weight of our freedom and the endless possibilities before us.

This anxiety is uncomfortable. Even so, it is also a sign of awareness. It reminds us that life is not simple or certain. Yet within this uncertainty lies the opportunity to choose our own direction with clarity and courage. Furthermore, embracing anxiety means embracing the full complexity of human existence.

Living in an Absurd World

Albert Camus described life as absurd. In his essay The Myth of Sisyphus, he tells the story of Sisyphus, condemned to roll a boulder uphill forever, only to see it fall again. Camus saw this as a symbol for human life. We work, we struggle, and in the end, we face death.

But Camus did not suggest giving up. Instead, he believed that we can resist absurdity by creating meaning for ourselves. Even if life offers no clear answers, we can still live fully, finding joy, creativity and dignity along the way. Therefore, despite the absurdity, life remains worth living.

Responsibility and the Meaning of Human Existence

Existentialism reminds us that meaning is not found but made. The meaning of human existence is something we build every day. Every small action and every decision we take shapes our life’s purpose. It is not easy. Nevertheless, it is the price of freedom.

We cannot always blame fate or society. To live authentically means to accept that we are responsible for the life we create. Our choices reflect who we truly are. Through them, we define the meaning of our existence. As a result, we become not only products of our circumstances but creators of our destiny.

The Relevance of Existentialism Today

In today’s fast and noisy world, existentialist ideas feel more urgent than ever. We are surrounded by distractions, false promises and shallow success. Consequently, it is easy to feel lost. Existentialism offers a different way forward. It teaches us to pause, to reflect and to ask what truly matters.

The answers may not be simple. Even so, the search itself brings meaning. By accepting uncertainty, facing life with honesty and making deliberate choices, we can create lives that are meaningful and real. In other words, even in a world without clear direction, we still hold the freedom to shape our own existence.