I didn't know I am an existentialist until quite recently

My blogpost yesterday delving into the changes a person may go through that person’s life resulted in me making a discovery about myself – or rather, it has been obvious to others and they didn’t bother to let me know because I don’t like labels.

Or this “discovery” may have appeared as a discovery to me because I hadn't researched enough to find out that there are enough terms in the English language to describe almost everything under the sun, whether it is the “review bombing” of “The Little Mermaid” or ideologies and philosophies that pertain to humans.

So that blogpost led me to discuss with a friend what kind of person I am and what kind of philosophy I subscribe to. Her conclusion was that I am an "existentialist" and that my writings have much to do with "existentialism". In fact, she said that I am far ahead in this philosophy than many others she knows.

This could be an explanation why one of my friends over the past year had been introducing me to literature based on existentialism, saying that he thought I will enjoy it, and generously gifting me books that deal with the subject whenever he can.

In short, existentialism is about humans and their interaction with the environment they are in. And those who express themselves in how they deal with their reality, engage deeply into aspects of existentialism that is mind-opening and mind-expanding.

Without even been aware of it, it seems I have read the works of many existentialists including Albert Camus whose books, such as “The Stranger”, can be read multiple times and enjoyed. Incidentally, this book was the latest gift to me by that friend who has been introducing me to existentialist authors and gifting me their books. (A big “Thank You” to him and the other friend who pointed out my existentialist characteristics yesterday.)

So I gathered some information about existentialism from ChatGPT which is as follows:

The term "existential" pertains to existence or the act of existing. It derives from the Latin word "existere," which means "to come forth" or "to stand out." In philosophy, "existential" refers to matters related to human existence, individuality, and the subjective experience of being in the world.

Existentialism, as a philosophical perspective, focuses on exploring the nature and meaning of human existence. Existential questions examine the individual's freedom, choices, and responsibility in the face of an uncertain and often chaotic world. Existential thinkers delve into the subjective aspects of existence, emphasizing the importance of personal experience, authenticity, and the search for meaning and purpose.

Furthermore, the term "existential" can also be used in a broader sense to describe anything related to existence itself or that which is fundamental to existence. It can refer to concepts, phenomena, or questions that pertain to being, reality, and the fundamental nature of existence.

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th century, primarily in Europe. It focuses on the individual's experience, existence, and freedom in the face of an inherently meaningless and absurd world. Existentialist thinkers explore questions about human existence, purpose, and the nature of reality.

At the core of existentialism is the belief that existence precedes essence, meaning that individuals are not born with predetermined purposes or meanings in life. Instead, they must create their own meaning through their choices and actions. Existentialists emphasize personal responsibility and the importance of individual freedom, emphasizing that individuals are responsible for their own lives and decisions.

Existentialism often deals with themes such as anxiety, despair, freedom, authenticity, and the search for meaning. Existentialist thinkers highlight the anguish and anguish that arises from the human condition, particularly the awareness of mortality and the absence of any objective or universal meaning in life. They argue that individuals must confront these existential realities and make choices that align with their own values and beliefs.

Some influential existentialist philosophers include Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Martin Heidegger. Each of these thinkers contributed different ideas and perspectives to the existentialist movement, but they all grappled with the fundamental questions of human existence and the search for meaning in a seemingly chaotic world.