Introduction
In a world filled with constant distractions and societal pressures, many of us find ourselves struggling to live authentically and make the most of our limited time on Earth. We're often plagued by anxiety about the future and uncertainty about the choices we make. These concerns are at the heart of existentialism, a philosophical movement that seeks to address the fundamental questions of human existence.
"On Being and Becoming" by Jennifer Anna Gosetti-Ferencei explores the rich tapestry of existentialist thought and its relevance to our modern lives. This book delves into the core principles of existentialism, offering insights on how we can live more authentically, embrace our freedom, and become attuned to the full range of possibilities that life has to offer.
Unlike many contemporary philosophical works that focus on abstract theories, existentialism brings philosophy back to its roots as a practical guide for living. It starts with the individual faced with the daunting task of choosing how to live and provides a framework for understanding what it means to live with freedom, happiness, and authenticity.
In this summary, we'll explore the key ideas presented in "On Being and Becoming," examining the origins and diversity of existentialist thought, the nature of human freedom, the role of suffering in authentic living, and the importance of cultivating genuine relationships with ourselves, others, and the world around us.
The Roots and Diversity of Existentialism
When most people think of existentialism, they might conjure images of intellectuals in Parisian cafés, smoking cigarettes and discussing the meaning of life. While it's true that the movement gained mainstream attention through French philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, existentialism's roots and influence extend far beyond this narrow perception.
Existentialism began to take shape in the 19th century with thinkers like Friedrich Nietzsche and Søren Kierkegaard. These philosophers sought to rescue authentic individuality from the growing homogenization of mass culture. They recognized that as society became more industrialized and standardized, there was a risk of losing the unique essence of human experience.
The movement was also influenced by German phenomenologists like Edmund Husserl and Martin Heidegger, who focused on the study of conscious experience from a first-person perspective. Additionally, great works of literature, such as those by Fyodor Dostoevsky and Franz Kafka, explored existentialist themes in their narratives, further contributing to the development of this philosophical approach.
It's important to understand that existentialism isn't a single, unified philosophy. Instead, it's a collection of works and ideas that focus on similar problems and share some fundamental principles. This diversity is one of the strengths of existentialism, as it allows for a range of perspectives on the human condition.
Despite their differences, all existentialist thinkers agree on a few basic principles:
Philosophy should focus on real-life problems: Existentialists sought to reorient philosophy away from abstract theorizing and back to the real problems of life as people actually experience them. They believed that philosophy should be relevant to our everyday struggles and help us navigate the complexities of human existence.
The primacy of subjective experience: Existentialists emphasize that we experience the world from a first-person, subjective point of view. Our unique perspective means that each person's experience of the world is profoundly personal and can never be fully interchanged with anyone else's point of view.
Individual responsibility: Because of our unique perspective, existentialists argue that we alone are capable of making sense of our experiences and deciding how to act. This places a significant burden of responsibility on the individual to create meaning in their life.
Skepticism towards pre-packaged answers: Existentialists caution against blindly adopting traditional interpretations of the meaning of life, such as those found in religious or philosophical doctrines. While it's okay to draw inspiration from various sources, they encourage individuals to critically examine these ideas and find their own answers to life's big questions.
Emphasis on human freedom: A central tenet of existentialism is the idea that humans are fundamentally free. While we can't control everything in life, much of it unfolds according to the choices and commitments we make. This freedom comes with the responsibility to create the life we want and become the person we aspire to be.
By understanding these core principles, we can begin to see how existentialism offers a unique approach to living. Rather than providing a set of rules or a specific path to follow, it encourages us to embrace our freedom, take responsibility for our choices, and actively engage in the process of creating a meaningful life.
Being vs. Becoming: The Nature of Human Existence
To truly grasp the existentialist perspective on human nature, we need to explore one of the most fundamental distinctions in philosophy: the concept of being versus becoming. This distinction dates back to the very beginnings of Western philosophical thought and has profound implications for how we understand ourselves and our place in the world.
Traditionally, philosophers have focused on the concept of "being" as the primary aspect of reality. This idea, popularized by ancient Greek philosopher Plato, suggests that there are eternal, unchanging forms or ideals that represent true reality. In this view, the physical world we perceive is merely a shadow or illusion of these perfect forms.
On the other hand, the concept of "becoming" refers to those aspects of reality that are in a constant state of change. This includes the world of human perception and experience, which Plato dismissed as less real or important than the eternal forms.
Existentialists, however, turned this traditional view on its head. They argued that for human beings, becoming is the true nature of our existence. This shift in perspective has profound implications for how we understand ourselves and our potential.
Consider the human body: it's in a constant state of change and motion. Throughout our lives, our cells grow, decay, and repair themselves continuously. Our physical form is never static but always in flux. The same is true for our consciousness and sense of self. Our thoughts, feelings, and perceptions are in a constant state of flux, like waves crashing on a shore. Even our sense of identity is constantly being revised as we grow and change over time.
This recognition that change is the only constant in human existence leads existentialists to conclude that we don't have a fixed, unchanging nature. Instead, we are always in the process of becoming something new. This idea is captured beautifully in the suggestion that we should really be called "human becomings" rather than "human beings."
The implications of this perspective are profound and liberating. If we don't have a fixed nature, it means we're not limited to any particular identity or way of being. We are free to reinvent ourselves, to grow, and to change throughout our lives. This freedom is both exhilarating and terrifying, as it places the responsibility for who we become squarely on our own shoulders.
Understanding ourselves as beings-in-becoming also encourages us to embrace change and personal growth. Rather than clinging to a fixed idea of who we are, we can see our lives as an ongoing process of self-creation. This perspective can help us be more open to new experiences, more willing to take risks, and more accepting of the inevitable changes that life brings.
However, this freedom and responsibility can also be a source of anxiety and uncertainty. If we're not defined by a fixed nature, how do we know who we truly are or what we should become? This existential anxiety is a central theme in existentialist thought, and as we'll see in the next section, it plays a crucial role in authentic living.
The Role of Suffering in Authentic Freedom
One of the most misunderstood aspects of existentialism is its approach to suffering. Many people perceive existentialism as a gloomy philosophy that wallows in despair and angst. However, this is a superficial understanding of the existentialist perspective on suffering. In reality, existentialists view certain forms of suffering as necessary steps toward living a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Existential suffering isn't limited to extreme situations. It can manifest in everyday moments of reflection and self-awareness. For instance, you might be going about your daily routine when suddenly you're struck by a sense of despair about not having achieved your childhood dreams. Or you might experience a moment of dread when contemplating your own mortality. These experiences of anxiety, dread, and despair are what existentialists refer to as existential emotions.
Unlike other philosophical approaches, such as stoicism, which advocate for overcoming or suppressing emotional pain, existentialism encourages us to embrace these difficult emotions. The reason for this is that existentialists see these emotions as integral parts of the human experience. They argue that by facing these challenging feelings head-on, we can gain valuable insights about ourselves and our place in the world.
Consider the emotion of dread that often accompanies thoughts of our own mortality. While it's tempting to avoid thinking about death altogether, existentialists like Martin Heidegger argued that confronting our mortality can actually enhance our lives. By acknowledging the finite nature of our existence, we may feel a greater urgency to make the most of our time, encouraging us to take risks, make changes, and live more fully in the present moment.
Similarly, feelings of anxiety about the future or uncertainty about our choices can serve as catalysts for self-reflection and personal growth. These emotions remind us of our freedom to shape our lives and the responsibility that comes with that freedom. By working through these difficult feelings rather than avoiding them, we can develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and what truly matters to us.
It's important to note that existentialists don't advocate for wallowing in negative emotions or seeking out suffering for its own sake. Instead, they encourage us to approach these challenging experiences with curiosity and openness. By doing so, we can use them as opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
This approach to suffering stands in stark contrast to many modern self-help philosophies that promise quick fixes and constant happiness. Existentialism reminds us that a full, authentic life includes the entire spectrum of human emotions, both positive and negative. By accepting and working through our existential suffering, we can develop greater resilience, self-awareness, and a more nuanced understanding of what it means to live authentically.
Moreover, the existentialist approach to suffering can help us develop greater empathy and connection with others. Recognizing that existential anxiety and dread are universal human experiences can foster a sense of shared humanity. It reminds us that we're not alone in our struggles and can encourage us to be more compassionate towards ourselves and others.
In essence, existentialism teaches us that authentic freedom isn't about avoiding pain or difficulty. Instead, it's about embracing the full range of human experiences, including suffering, and using these experiences as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. By doing so, we can live more authentically and become more attuned to the myriad possibilities that life has to offer.
Cultivating Authentic Individuality
In our modern world, where mass culture and social media often promote conformity, the existentialist call for authentic individuality is more relevant than ever. Existentialist thinkers were deeply concerned about the loss of individuality in modern society, where people often resemble mass-produced products on store shelves, as Nietzsche once observed.
But what does it mean to be authentically individual? For existentialists, authentic individuality isn't something we're born with or that we can simply claim. Instead, it's something we must actively cultivate through conscious choices and actions. It involves learning to think for ourselves, developing our unique personalities, and creating a mode of life that truly suits us.
One of the biggest obstacles to authentic individuality is what existentialists call "bad faith." This occurs when we deny our fundamental freedom and responsibility by acting as if we have no choice in how we live our lives. We might tell ourselves that we have to stay in a job we hate because "that's just the way things are," or we might blindly follow social conventions without questioning whether they align with our true values.
To live authentically, we must first accept responsibility for our freedom to choose at every moment. This doesn't mean that we have unlimited options – our choices are always constrained by our circumstances. However, we always have some degree of choice, even if those choices aren't always clear or easy.
Here are some practical steps we can take to cultivate authentic individuality:
Regular self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your values, desires, and goals. Ask yourself whether your current way of living aligns with what truly matters to you.
Question assumptions: Challenge the beliefs and assumptions you've inherited from your culture, family, or education. Are they truly yours, or have you adopted them unthinkingly?
Embrace uncertainty: Accept that there are no guaranteed outcomes in life. Embrace the uncertainty that comes with making choices and forging your own path.
Take responsibility: Recognize that you are responsible for your choices and their consequences. Avoid blaming others or circumstances for the shape of your life.
Experiment with different ways of living: Don't be afraid to try new things or break from your daily routine. Experimentation can help you discover what truly resonates with you.
Cultivate self-awareness: Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and reactions. The more you understand yourself, the better equipped you'll be to make authentic choices.
Embrace your uniqueness: Instead of trying to fit in or conform to others' expectations, celebrate what makes you different and unique.
Practice mindfulness: Be present in the moment and aware of your choices as you make them. This can help you avoid falling into habitual, inauthentic patterns of behavior.
Engage in creative expression: Whether through art, writing, music, or any other form of creativity, expressing yourself can help you connect with your authentic self.
Seek out diverse perspectives: Engage with people and ideas that challenge your worldview. This can help you refine your own beliefs and values.
Living authentically isn't always easy. It often requires courage to go against the grain and make choices that others might not understand or approve of. However, the benefits of authentic living are significant. When we live authentically, we experience greater self-determination and freedom. We're less bound by our past experiences or the need for validation from others. We're able to forge deeper, more meaningful connections with others because we're presenting our true selves to the world.
Moreover, authentic living allows us to tap into our full potential. When we're not constrained by inauthentic modes of being, we're free to explore the full range of possibilities that life has to offer. We can pursue our passions, develop our talents, and create a life that truly reflects who we are.
It's important to note that authentic individuality doesn't mean being selfish or disregarding others. In fact, as we'll explore in the next section, our freedom and authenticity are deeply interconnected with our relationships with others.
The Interdependence of Freedom and Recognition
While existentialism places a strong emphasis on individual freedom and responsibility, it's crucial to understand that this doesn't mean we exist in isolation. In fact, many existentialist thinkers, particularly Simone de Beauvoir, argued that our freedom is deeply interconnected with our relationships with others.
This idea might seem counterintuitive at first. After all, don't other people often limit our freedom through their expectations, judgments, and actions? While this can certainly be true, existentialists argue that our relationships with others are also essential for realizing our freedom fully.
The key to understanding this paradox lies in the concept of recognition. Just as we depend on others for our physical survival, we also depend on them for the survival of our sense of self. Our identity and our sense of value are, to a large extent, shaped by how others perceive and treat us.
When others recognize us as free, valuable individuals, it reinforces our own sense of freedom and worth. This recognition allows us to more fully embrace our freedom and live authentically. Conversely, when others fail to recognize our freedom – when they treat us as objects rather than subjects – it can severely limit our sense of possibility and our ability to live authentically.
This dynamic plays out in various ways in our daily lives. Consider, for example, how we often objectify people in service roles, seeing them merely as their function rather than as complex individuals with their own desires and struggles. While this kind of objectification might seem harmless in passing interactions, it becomes problematic when it's pervasive or when it targets specific individuals or groups.
The most extreme example of this kind of objectification is slavery, where one group of people treats another as mere objects to be used and traded. But even in supposedly free and equal societies, people objectify each other in ways that can be harmful. Shame, for instance, is a powerful form of objectification. When someone shames us, they impose a one-sided, negative image of us onto our consciousness, limiting the way we think about ourselves and reducing our sense of possibility.
Given this interdependence between our freedom and the recognition of others, existentialists argue that living authentically involves not just cultivating our own freedom, but also recognizing and respecting the freedom of others. This means striving to see others as complex, free subjects rather than reducing them to objects or stereotypes.
Here are some ways we can practice recognizing others' freedom:
Practice empathy: Try to imagine the inner lives of others, including their hopes, fears, and struggles.
Avoid hasty judgments: Recognize that you can never fully know another person's situation or motivations.
Listen actively: When interacting with others, truly listen to what they're saying rather than just waiting for your turn to speak.
Respect differences: Recognize that others may have different values, beliefs, and ways of living, and that this diversity is valuable.
Avoid objectification: Be mindful of when you're treating others as means to an end rather than as ends in themselves.
Encourage others' freedom: Support others in making their own choices and pursuing their own paths, even if they differ from your own.
Be aware of power dynamics: Recognize when you're in a position of power over others and be careful not to abuse that power.
Practice forgiveness: Recognize that everyone makes mistakes and has flaws, including yourself.
Engage in genuine dialogue: Strive for authentic communication where both parties are free to express themselves honestly.
Cultivate mutual recognition: In your relationships, aim for a dynamic where both parties recognize and support each other's freedom.
By recognizing others' freedom and encouraging them to live authentically, we create a social environment that supports our own freedom and authenticity. This mutual recognition forms the basis for genuine, meaningful relationships and a more just society.
However, it's important to note that this recognition isn't always easy or comfortable. Truly seeing others as free subjects means acknowledging their capacity to surprise us, disagree with us, or even hurt us. It means accepting that we can never fully control or predict others' actions.
Despite these challenges, the existentialist perspective argues that this mutual recognition is essential for living an authentic, fulfilling life. By embracing our interconnectedness and striving to recognize others' freedom, we can create richer, more meaningful relationships and a society that supports genuine individuality and freedom for all.
The Integration of Self and World
One of the most profound insights of existentialist thought is its understanding of the relationship between self and world. Unlike the Cartesian view that sees the self as separate from the world – an immaterial consciousness observing a material reality – existentialists argue that self and world are deeply interconnected, forming an integrated whole.
This idea challenges our common-sense notion of ourselves as separate from the world around us. Instead, existentialists argue that we experience ourselves as always already in the midst of the world, actively engaging with it. Our consciousness isn't locked away in our heads, but extends out into the world through our perceptions, actions, and relationships.
To understand this concept, consider a simple example: imagine stepping outside on the first warm day of spring after a long, cold winter. The warmth of the sun doesn't just touch your skin; it spreads through your entire being, affecting your mood, your energy levels, and your outlook on the world. In this moment, it's hard to say where "you" end and the "world" begins – your experience of the warmth and your emotional response to it are thoroughly intertwined.
This integration of self and world is not just about physical sensations. Our emotions, too, color our perception of the world. When we're happy, the world seems brighter and more welcoming. When we're sad or anxious, even familiar places can seem threatening or oppressive. Our emotional state doesn't just exist inside us; it radiates out into the world, transforming how we perceive and interact with our environment.
Understanding this integration of self and world has several important implications:
We shape our world: Our attitudes, beliefs, and actions don't just affect us internally – they shape the world we inhabit. By changing our perspective or our behavior, we can transform our experience of the world.
The world shapes us: Just as we shape our world, our environment and experiences shape us. We are always in a process of becoming through our interactions with the world.
Responsibility extends beyond ourselves: If we accept that we're not separate from the world, then our responsibility extends beyond our individual selves to the world we inhabit and help create.
Authenticity involves engagement: Living authentically doesn't mean retreating into ourselves, but actively engaging with the world in a way that reflects our values and aspirations.
Meaning is co-created: The meaning we find in life isn't purely subjective, nor is it objectively given by the world. Instead, it emerges from our active engagement with the world.
Interconnectedness: This perspective highlights our deep interconnectedness not just with other people, but with our entire environment.
This understanding of the integration of self and world can profoundly impact how we live our lives. It encourages us to be more mindful of how we engage with our environment, recognizing that every interaction shapes both ourselves and our world. It also emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for the world we create through our actions and attitudes.
Moreover, this perspective can help us develop a more holistic approach to well-being. Instead of seeing our happiness or fulfillment as purely internal states, we can recognize how they're connected to our relationships, our environment, and our engagement with the world. This can lead to a more balanced approach to personal growth that considers not just individual psychology, but also our social and environmental contexts.
In the next section, we'll explore how this integrated understanding of self and world can inform our relationship with the natural environment, offering a path towards a more sustainable and harmonious way of living.
Cultivating a Harmonious Relationship with Nature
As we've explored the existentialist perspective on the integration of self and world, it becomes clear that our relationship with the natural environment is a crucial aspect of our existence. However, over the past two centuries, since the rise of the industrial revolution, our relationship with nature has become dangerously imbalanced.
The environmental crisis we face today – from deforestation and pollution to climate change – is a stark reminder of the consequences of this imbalance. We've often treated nature as a mere resource to be exploited, forgetting our deep interconnectedness with the natural world.
At first glance, it might seem that existentialism, with its focus on human existence, has little to contribute to solving environmental problems. However, the existentialist perspective on our relationship with the world offers valuable insights for developing a more harmonious and sustainable relationship with nature.
Martin Heidegger, a philosopher associated with the deep ecology movement, argued that our current environmental crisis is rooted in our modern way of thinking about the world. He suggested that the rise of scientific and mathematical thinking, while incredibly useful in many ways, has promoted an objectifying perspective that sees nature primarily as a collection of resources to be used and manipulated.
While Heidegger didn't reject scientific thinking entirely, he argued that we need to balance it with other ways of relating to the world. He suggested that we might look to poetry as a model for a more respectful and generous orientation to nature. When we engage with poetry, our aim isn't just to extract information or utility, but to appreciate beauty and find meaning. Similarly, Heidegger argued that we need to cultivate a stance toward nature that appreciates its inherent value and beauty, not just its usefulness to us.
This shift in perspective aligns with the existentialist emphasis on authentic living. From an ecological standpoint, living authentically means cultivating a relationship with nature that recognizes its intrinsic value and our deep interconnectedness with it. Here are some ways we can work towards this more harmonious relationship:
Develop ecological awareness: Educate yourself about ecosystems, biodiversity, and the impacts of human activities on the environment. Understanding these complex relationships can foster a deeper appreciation for nature.
Practice mindful engagement with nature: Take time to experience nature directly, whether it's through hiking, gardening, or simply sitting in a park. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and sensations around you.
Recognize nature's agency: Try to see natural entities not as passive objects, but as active participants in the world. A tree, for instance, isn't just a resource, but a living being with its own form of agency.
Cultivate wonder and awe: Allow yourself to be amazed by the complexity and beauty of the natural world. This sense of wonder can counteract the tendency to see nature as merely a resource.
Consider non-human perspectives: Try to imagine how the world might appear from the perspective of other species. This exercise in empathy can broaden our understanding of our place in the ecosystem.
Practice sustainable living: Make choices in your daily life that reflect your recognition of our interdependence with nature. This might involve reducing waste, conserving energy, or supporting environmentally friendly products and practices.
Engage in environmental stewardship: Participate in activities that actively care for the environment, such as conservation efforts or community clean-ups.
Reconnect with natural rhythms: Try to align your life more closely with natural cycles, such as daylight hours or seasonal changes. This can help foster a sense of connection with the natural world.
Support policies and initiatives that protect nature: Use your voice and your vote to support environmental protection and sustainable development.
Share your appreciation of nature with others: Encourage friends, family, and community members to develop their own connection with the natural world.
By cultivating a more harmonious relationship with nature, we're not just helping to address environmental problems – we're also enriching our own lives. A deeper connection with nature can provide a sense of belonging, wonder, and meaning that's often lacking in our modern, technology-driven world.
Moreover, this shift in perspective aligns with the existentialist goal of living authentically. By recognizing our interconnectedness with nature and taking responsibility for our impact on the environment, we're living in a way that's more true to our actual situation in the world. We're embracing a more complete understanding of our existence, one that recognizes that we're not separate from nature, but an integral part of it.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Authentic Living
As we conclude our exploration of "On Being and Becoming," it's clear that existentialism offers a rich and nuanced perspective on what it means to live authentically in the modern world. By emphasizing our fundamental freedom and responsibility, encouraging us to embrace the full spectrum of human experience (including suffering), and highlighting our deep interconnectedness with others and the world around us, existentialism provides a framework for living that is both challenging and deeply rewarding.
The key takeaway from this existentialist journey is that living authentically means relating to ourselves, others, and the world in a way that recognizes the profound possibilities inherent in each. It means remaining attuned to our freedom to choose and create ourselves, while also recognizing the freedom and subjectivity of others. It involves cultivating a harmonious relationship with the natural world, seeing it not just as a resource to be used, but as an integral part of our existence.
To live authentically, we must:
Embrace our freedom and responsibility: Recognize that we are the authors of our lives, responsible for the choices we make and the person we become.
Face existential emotions: Instead of avoiding difficult feelings like anxiety, dread, or uncertainty, we should engage with them as opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
Cultivate authentic individuality: Strive to think for ourselves, question assumptions, and create a way of life that truly reflects our values and aspirations.
Recognize others' freedom: Treat others not as objects, but as free subjects deserving of respect and recognition.
Engage actively with the world: Recognize our deep interconnectedness with our environment and take responsibility for the world we help create.
Develop a harmonious relationship with nature: Cultivate an appreciation for the intrinsic value of the natural world and strive to live in a way that reflects this understanding.
Living authentically in this way isn't easy. It requires courage to face uncertainty, willingness to question deeply held beliefs, and the strength to take responsibility for our choices and their consequences. However, the rewards of authentic living are profound. By embracing our freedom and engaging more fully with life, we open ourselves to a richer, more meaningful existence.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the insights of existentialism can serve as a valuable guide. They remind us that despite the challenges and uncertainties we face, we always have the freedom to choose how we respond to our circumstances. They encourage us to embrace the full spectrum of human experience, including the difficult emotions that we might prefer to avoid. And they highlight our deep interconnectedness with others and the world around us, promoting a more holistic and responsible way of living.
In the end, the existentialist perspective invites us to see our lives not as fixed states of being, but as ongoing processes of becoming. It encourages us to actively engage in the creation of ourselves and our world, to remain open to new possibilities, and to take responsibility for the lives we choose to lead. By doing so, we can move towards a more authentic, fulfilling, and meaningful existence.