Existentialism: What does it mean?

Have you ever heard someone talk about having an "existential crisis"? Maybe you know someone who has had an existential crisis, or you could even be having one right now. Existentialism is a deep, complex topic that has worked its way into our lives, and while most people don't think they will have one, its very possible you might have had or are currently having one right now. We're gonna break down what exactly existentialism is, what it looks like, and things you could even do to help yourself or someone you love get through one. Hopefully by understanding these concepts, you yourself can better navigate the complexities of life and even end up just a bit more wise in the end.

Existentialism first made roots in the mid-20th century during the mark of World War 2. The main argument for it was that purpose and meaning of life didn't come from God, government or our fellow humans. Existentialists believed that a persons purpose in life was based on a persons ability to create their own purpose; forge their own destiny in a sense. French philosopher and writer Simone de Beauvoir wrote "It is possible for man to snatch the world from the darkness of absurdity." In simple terms, what she is saying is that through action and choice, any person can create their own meaning in life, or find their own purpose in the world.

We can break existentialism into 5 tenants of thought;

1. "Existence precedes essence": You are born with no predetermined purpose in life. You create your own "essence" or purpose by the choices you make and the actions you take. You are free to live your life the best way you believe.
2. "Radical freedom": You are free too choose how to live life they way you see it. It's often thought that being free to choose is both a gift and a curse on someone, some even go as far as to see themselves as a prisoner of free will, able to make choices that can both help and harm.
3. "The Absurd": A conflict between our ever growing need to search for meaning in life and the universes inherent and chaotic lack of meaning and order. The world is and always will be indifferent, so look for meaning from within instead of beyond.
4. "Angst and alienation": Being aware that you have free choice and responsibilities can lead to one becoming anxious, experience feelings of dread or feel alienated from themselves and others.
5. "Authenticity": Living an authentic life means that you've accepted your ability to make choices freely without influence or guidance. You create your own values and purpose rather than follow how others live. 
   

Having an existential crisis means that one of those 5 tenants of thought are clashing within. For some people, having an existential crisis, means they believe they will continue living their whole life without having made any significant accomplishments. For others, it can come from struggling with personal identity. Sometimes it can come from the idea of existence itself. From this questions being to arise "Who am I" or "Is this all that life has to offer". For many people, having an existential crisis can take away from themselves what they believe to be already lost, but there ways to avoid or even help move along an existential crisis.

The best way to help someone during an existential crisis is to simply, be there and connect with them. Show that person that with friendship, family, fun and love, it doesn't matter what their place in life is. No matter what, as long as they are alive and do good things, they will find their own place in life. A place that can bring them happiness and value. A place that doesn't rely on validation and conformity. All people have a fundamental right to seek out happiness and meaning, and in this case, their value and meaning for life comes from the fact they themselves are alive, and life itself is the most valuable of all.