Existentialism is a liberating methodology, but it has limited practicality in our world. Its cyclic nature is hard to control, as we are constantly breaking systems, new systems swoop in to replace the old ones.
Individuality is definitely a key part of existentialism as well. I think that you be truly independent you have to make conscious decisions about what you value. And while the argument can be made that sticking to the traditional systems of comfort can end up hurting you, so can going against them. I'm not trying to make an argument for or against existentialism, all I'm saying is that there are definite pros and cons to choosing to be an existentialist, and choosing not to be one.
However, for some, it is not a simple choice. I would argue that Mersault is an existentialist of sorts, but did not make a conscious decision to be one. The argument still remains whether existentialism brings true happiness or not. Whether existentialism is something brought about from the events in one's life should also be considered when discussing existentialism itself.
I like that you addressed the fact that not only can sticking to the "system" can hurt you, but so can breaking from the system. I appreciate that you took a balanced stance on the merit of existentialism.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you and Nora. Leaving the system can be equally damaging if it is not for the right reasons. I think that there is no way to always be out of the system and be happy because the system changes with trends. If everyone is going against the system, then they all become the new system.
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