Existentialism and the Modern Life Crisis in the 21st Century

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This discussion examines the intersection of existentialist philosophy and contemporary challenges, focusing on the search for purpose amidst 21st-century uncertainties. Drawing on thinkers like Sartre, Camus, and Viktor Frankl, it explores purpose, freedom, and authenticity in a world shaped by technological advancements, societal changes, and global crises.

A central theme is the tension between creating and discovering purpose, as explored in Thomas Flynn’s Existentialism: A Very Short Introduction and William Barrett’s Irrational Man. These works provide insights into existentialist ideas and their relevance to modern dilemmas. The influence of societal norms on identity and the challenge of confronting life’s absurdity are analyzed through Albert Camus’ exploration of absurdity and meaninglessness.

The role of existential despair is also addressed, often triggered by socio-political instability, personal trauma, or digital-age pressures. Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning highlights the transformative power of suffering in discovering purpose. Sarah Bakewell’s At the Existentialist Café connects existentialist ideas to modern challenges like economic instability and social media-induced anxiety, showing how these ideas remain relevant.

Modern resources bridge existentialism with practical application. The podcast The Partially Examined Life – Existentialism and the Absurd explores existential themes, while Brené Brown’s video discussion on finding purpose offers strategies for navigating life’s complexities. Both emphasize how impermanence, freedom, and sacrifices are integral to living a purposeful life in today’s evolving cultural landscape.

By connecting existentialist philosophy to contemporary issues, the discussion will explore the enduring relevance of thinkers like Sartre, Camus, and Frankl. It shows how individuals can confront existential anxiety, navigate uncertainty, and cultivate meaningful lives in a complex, ever-changing world. These insights underscore existentialism’s timeless value in addressing the crises of modern existence.

Questions:

Is purpose discovered or created by the individual? How does the existentialist belief in radical freedom influence our understanding of personal purpose?
Can an individual lead a meaningful life without a clearly defined purpose? Does a lack of purpose imply an unfulfilled existence, or can meaning be found in the journey itself?
How do societal structures and norms shape our sense of purpose? Is pursuing a self-determined purpose an act of rebellion against external expectations?
Does the pursuit of purpose make life less absurd, or does it amplify our awareness of the absurd? In what ways does engaging with purpose confront or contradict the existentialist notion of the absurd?
How can one balance the search for authenticity with the need to live practically in the world? Do you think there’s any possibility of living an authentic life without compromising one’s purpose in the face of societal pressures/sanctioned restrictions?
Is existential despair necessary for discovering a true sense of purpose? What would be the possible triggers that cause an individual to experience an existential crisis? Do you think this is related to socio-political reasons or personal encounters that had left a person traumatised and uncertain?
Does living with purpose require sacrificing personal freedom? To what extent does our level of commitment in life affect our freedom as individual?
Can a purpose be truly timeless, or is it inevitably tied to the individual’s finite existence? How does the concept of impermenance of life impact the meaningfulness of our chosen purpose/new-found purpose?
What role does suffering play in the realization of one’s purpose? To what extent we truly endure hardship despite bringing one’s purpose into reality?
Is it possible to find purpose in a universe that may be indifferent or devoid of inherent meaning? In what ways this would affect our motivation to constantly pursue a meaningful purpose?

References:

Introduction to Existentialism: Existentialism: A Very Short Introduction by Thomas Flynn — A concise and accessible guide to the core concepts of existentialism. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/existentialism/
Philosophical Analysis: Irrational Man by William Barrett — A classic exploration of existentialist thought, covering major figures like Sartre, Camus, and Nietzsche.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irrational_Man
Wikipedia on Existentialism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existentialism
Viktor Frankl: Purpose Through Suffering
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man%27s_Search_for_Meaning
Albert Camus: The Absurd and Meaninglessness Discussion Essay: https://www.myphilsoc.com/albert-camus-meaninglessness-and-absurdity/
Podcast: The Partially Examined Life - "Existentialism and the Absurd"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N86db9XRJiA
Brene Brown's “SECRET To FINDING YOUR PURPOSE & ACHIEVING ANYTHING YOU WANT!” with Lewis Howes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8P1-sOHgLY