On Being and Becoming

"What would you do if you had to live your life again and again, unchanged, for all eternity?" Nietzsche's eternal return challenges us to confront the life choices we make and the responsibility of living authentically.

1. Existentialism: A Diverse Philosophy Rooted in Freedom

Existentialism is not a uniform school of thought but a collective reflection on essential human life questions. Emerging broadly from philosophical giants like Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, and Sartre, existentialism grapples with the theme of freedom and individuality. It diverges from abstract theorizing, focusing instead on the real-life experiences of individuals and their unique, subjective perspectives.

At its core, existentialist philosophy encourages individuals to take life into their own hands. Rather than adhering to pre-set religious or societal doctrines, individuals are urged to explore their personal values and embrace the responsibility of creating their path. This approach champions a deliberate rejection of "prepackaged" answers in favor of authentic self-examination and freedom.

In this philosophy, human freedom is always accompanied by responsibility. While one might be limited by circumstances, choices remain available. From this standpoint, existentialism does not dictate how to live; instead, it urges everyone to ask themselves what it truly means to live.

Examples

• Jean-Paul Sartre described humans as "condemned to be free," emphasizing the weight of making choices.
• Simone de Beauvoir explored women's agency in creating their roles in a patriarchal society, encouraging personal freedom over conformity.
• Nietzsche advocated the concept of "will to power," positioning individual growth and overcoming societal norms at the forefront of existence.

2. Embracing Constant Change as Part of Human Nature

Existentialists argue that human beings aren’t static entities; instead, they are constantly evolving, shaped by experiences, thoughts, and choices. This perspective rejects the idea of a fixed "self" or eternal essence. Instead, life is a process of growth, transition, and transformation.

The notion of "becoming" replaces "being." Plato once viewed eternal forms as the ultimate reality, but existentialists flipped this notion. They assert that life's happenings—and our adaptation to them—define our reality. This lack of unchanging essence affords unparalleled freedom, unshackling individuals from rigid definitions of identity or purpose.

By embracing change, people can redefine their personal narratives and escape societal expectations. This fluidity enables one to rewrite their story throughout life, continually striving toward authenticity and freedom.

Examples

• Martin Heidegger developed the idea of "thrownness," emphasizing that while we're thrown into a predetermined world, our choices thereafter shape our becoming.
• Adapted by Albert Camus, Sisyphus’ eternal toil represents humankind's persistence in the face of ever-changing life challenges.
• The physical and mental evolution of aging highlights our transformation, with each phase of life contributing new layers of becoming.

3. Suffering as Part of True Authenticity

Existentialists argue that suffering, though painful, is an integral part of life that fosters deeper authenticity and awareness. Emotions like dread, anxiety, or despair serve as wake-up calls, urging people to engage more honestly with their existence.

By embracing suffering, individuals can uncover profound truths about life and strengthen their resolve. For instance, reflecting on mortality can shift one’s focus to what truly matters, helping them seize the present. Avoiding suffering, on the other hand, only delays opportunities for growth and self-understanding.

This perspective resonates with works of art and literature that grapple with existential themes. Pain, far from being an obstacle, becomes a catalyst for clarity and courageous transformations.

Examples

• Martin Heidegger emphasized the value of contemplating death as a way to live more fully in the present.
• Fyodor Dostoevsky explored guilt and redemption through the tormented character of Raskolnikov in "Crime and Punishment."
• Camus' myth of Sisyphus celebrated resilience in the face of seemingly meaningless struggles.

4. Authenticity Starts with Personal Responsibility

Authenticity isn’t an inborn trait—it’s a deliberate commitment to make conscious choices and take ownership of life. This involves breaking free from unreflective habits, societal expectations, and the influence of the crowd.

Existentialist thinkers argue that conforming to the masses often strips away individuality. For instance, clapping reflexively in a crowd merely mirrors social cues rather than reflecting sincere emotion. Authentic living demands consistent introspection and courage to live according to one’s unique personality and values.

By embracing responsibility, people liberate themselves from feeling like passive bystanders in their lives. This enables them to celebrate autonomy and explore uncharted possibilities.

Examples

• Friedrich Nietzsche's idea of the Übermensch challenged individuals to rise above societal norms and create their values.
• Daily moments of reflection can help identify automatic habits—like scrolling social media—that reduce authenticity.
• Søren Kierkegaard championed the value of the "leap of faith" as individuals embraced their truths, alone and courageously.

5. Authentic Freedom Relies on Recognizing Others

Existentialists highlight that our sense of self is deeply intertwined with how others perceive and treat us. Freedom doesn’t exist in isolation; it thrives in mutual recognition and respect.

When individuals objectify others or reduce them to mere roles (e.g., a clerk as just a letter-stamper), they deny them their freedom and humanity. Conversely, treating others as dynamic equals not only fosters connection but also strengthens one’s self-awareness and authenticity.

Overall, valuing the freedom of others paves the way for richer, more meaningful interactions and relationships.

Examples

• Simone de Beauvoir’s "The Second Sex" called for recognition of women’s freedom and equality, urging society to move beyond sexist roles.
• Sartre explored shame and its power to reduce individuals to mere objects, limiting their emancipation.
• The civil rights movement showcases the transformational power of recognizing shared dignity and equality.

6. We Exist as Part of an Integrated World

Existentialists reject the rigid division between self and environment, seeing them instead as inseparably connected. Our emotions, perceptions, and context interweave, affecting how we interact with the world and others.

This integration reminds us that the world isn’t merely "out there"; it both reflects and shapes our internal experiences. The more harmonized our relationship with the world, the more enriched our lives become.

Examples

• A hunger-induced desire for an apple transforms the mundane object into something extraordinary.
• The first warm breeze of spring can shift someone’s perception of their mood, fusing self and nature.
• Camus’ meditations on the absurd emerge from the interplay between internal longing and external indifference.

7. Suffering and Freedom in Modern Society

Industrial and technological progress has widened the gap between humanity and the natural world. Our current exploitative approach drives ecological crises and distances us from a harmonious coexistence with the environment.

Heidegger advocates for adopting a poetic and respectful stance toward nature, where its intrinsic beauty and value are celebrated rather than commodified. This mindset fosters a deeper, healthier connection between humanity and the planet.

By rediscovering nature’s awe and mystery, people can create sustainable lifestyles that prioritize harmony over exploitation.

Examples

• Lamenting deforested areas evokes Heidegger's warnings about industrial excesses.
• Restoring forests and wildlife demonstrates reconnecting with the planet’s needs.
• Deep ecological movements encourage holistic connections to biodiversity.

8. The Eternal Return Experiment Highlights Repressed Desires

Nietzsche’s eternal return proposes a hypothetical: Would you embrace your current life if you had to relive it forever? This idea forces introspection on whether one is living authentically and according to true desires or merely going through the motions.

By engaging in this thought experiment, individuals may recognize areas worth changing. Reliving a satisfying life would feel joyful, while repeating an inauthentic life inspires transformation.

Examples

• Reflecting on unfulfilled relationships might inspire change or forgiveness.
• Revisiting career decisions can motivate bolder, more fulfilling choices.
• Considering parental roles or legacies may lead one to mend strained family bonds.

9. Emphasizing Wonder in the World Around Us

Existentialism calls people to approach life and nature with wonder and reverence. Relinquishing the tendency to dissect everything fosters awe and respect, essential for sustaining life and cultivating meaning.

Taking time for beauty, poetry, or quiet reflection helps challenge the objectified, consumerist notions modernity often promotes. Authentic existence thrives when awe and creativity remain central.

Examples

• Admiring sunsets or ocean waves can spark gratitude for natural beauty.
• Reading poetry like Mary Oliver’s creates connections to natural rhythms.
• Practicing mindfulness in daily life fosters presence and appreciation.

Takeaways

1. Use Nietzsche’s eternal return experiment to pinpoint areas of your life that lack fulfillment and determine actionable changes.
2. Incorporate moments of reflection weekly to explore how you can live more authentically.
3. Practice recognizing and celebrating the freedom of others in your daily interactions at work, home, or community.