The Pointlessness Of Existentialism

Existentialism is a philosophy focused on the individual, emphasising personal freedom and choice, and the absence of inherent meaning in the universe. It asserts that humans are not born with a pre-set purpose, but must create their own identity and values through their actions.  Since life has no meaning, we are free to manifest our own purpose, and live a meaningful life on our own terms. 

The problem is that this idea turns into nihilism; since life has no meaning, nothing matters, and there’s no point in trying to create values. So we become pessimists, which results is a dark world that actually lacks freedom and the ability to choose because it has chosen pointlessness.

So what is the opposite to existentialism and nihilism?
One answer is eternalism, a philosophical and physical theory asserting that all points in time – past, present, and future – are equally real, existing simultaneously within a four-dimensional block universe. Theism is the most obvious example of eternalism. God is the eternal ordering principle that sets the cosmic plan, and gives everything a specific meaning.

Is there another way of seeing?
Yes, the Middle Way. Existentialism and eternalism are both concerned with outer appearances.
The Middle Way is concerned with that which is aware of appearances – consciousness – for, without that, nothing could be known. Our prime reality is pure consciousness. If we give no value to that … Just look at the world – it’s totally diverted.

As long as we are focused on what’s out there,
we will be forever confused,
seeking pointless debate as a meaningless pass time.
🙂

The purpose of life is to realise what, in essence, we are.