In my previous post, I challenged the notion that existentialism is merely an abstract, academic philosophy. On the contrary, I argued that its core ideas offer a deeply practical framework for navigating the messiness of human life. If we strip away the dense jargon and ivory tower debates, what remains is a philosophy that speaks directly to our everyday struggles—the weight of choice, the anxiety of freedom, the search for purpose in a world that often feels indifferent. Today, I want to give you a sneak peek into the existential principles I’ll explore in depth over the coming weeks. Think of these as tools, not dogma—a way to reframe your relationship with yourself, others, and the universe.
Centering Human Existence: The Starting Point
Existentialism begins by asking us to confront what it means to be. It’s not about dissecting metaphysical theories but about grounding ourselves in the immediacy of lived experience. What does it feel like to exist in this moment? To wake up, make decisions, and interact with others while carrying the full weight of your history, fears, and hopes? By focusing on the human condition—its joys, contradictions, and ambiguities—we learn to embrace life as it is, not as we wish it to be. This principle invites you to pause and ask: Am I living authentically, or am I distracted by societal scripts?The Four Ultimate Concerns: Mortality, Freedom, Isolation, and Meaninglessness
Psychologist Irvin Yalom identified these four existential givens as universal sources of anxiety. Mortality reminds us that life is finite, urging us to prioritize what truly matters. Freedom, though liberating, demands courage to shape our lives without blaming external forces. Isolation acknowledges the inescapable gap between our inner worlds and others’, fostering empathy without illusions of total connection. Finally, meaninglessness confronts the absurdity of seeking inherent purpose in a universe that offers none—yet this void becomes the canvas for creating our own meaning. These aren’t morbid topics but invitations to self-awareness. As we’ll see, engaging with them can paradoxically deepen our sense of peace.Freedom and Responsibility: The Twin Engines of Agency
“You are free. Therefore, choose,” wrote Jean-Paul Sartre—a call to arms for anyone seeking autonomy. Existential freedom isn’t about limitless options but recognizing that even our constraints are filtered through our perceptions and choices. This principle pairs freedom with responsibility: if you are the author of your life, you can’t outsource blame. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but also empowering. Imagine applying this to a stagnant career, a strained relationship, or a personal habit. The question shifts from “Why is this happening to me?” to “What do I choose to do about it?”Subjective Experience: Your Reality, Your Rules
Existentialism rejects the idea of a single, objective truth. Instead, it celebrates the diversity of human perception. Two people can witness the same event—one sees opportunity, another sees a threat. This principle encourages us to examine how we construct meaning. Are your stories serving you, or trapping you? By consciously reshaping narratives (e.g., reframing failure as growth), we reclaim power over our inner world. It’s not about denial but intentional creation—a skill anyone can practice.Human Suffering: The Asheville Method
Here’s where my approach diverges. While existentialism often frames suffering as a catalyst for authenticity, I’ve integrated practices from Zen Buddhism and the ancient Self-Enquiry method of Sri Ramana Maharishi. These traditions view pain not as an enemy but as a doorway to self-discovery. The Asheville Method, born during a session of deep reflection surrounded by the quiet majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, blends these insights. I’ll share specific examples in a dedicated post, but suffice it to say: suffering, when seen as resistance to "what is," becomes a teacher.
Why This Matters
I won’t sugarcoat it: these ideas are dense. They ask us to sit with uncertainty, reject easy answers, and confront truths we often bury under distractions. But that’s the point. Existentialism isn’t a quick fix; it’s a lifelong practice. My goal isn’t to convert you to a rigid system but to spark your own inquiry. What principles will you derive from your struggles? How might you adapt the Four Ultimate Concerns to your unique context?
As Viktor Frankl wrote in Man’s Search for Meaning, “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.” Happiness, he argued, isn’t a destination we chase but a byproduct of living meaningfully. That’s the heart of what I’ll share next: not grand theories, but actionable steps to transform your perspective.
Stay tuned. In the weeks ahead, I’ll unpack each principle with exercises, stories, and strategies to help you apply them. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone simply seeking deeper fulfillment, these ideas can be your compass. And remember: philosophy isn’t meant to be passively consumed. It’s meant to be lived.
