A Journey of Self-Discovery
University wasn’t just about textbooks and lectures for me. It was a portal to a whole new world.
Growing up in a Welsh mining village, my life had been defined by expectations and routines. Suddenly, I was exposed to philosophers who challenged everything I thought I knew about existence. It was like a seed being planted, one that took root and blossomed years later. Even now, at an age when many people retire, the question of “who am I?” continues to nag at me. Chasing success was a driving force for most of my life, but recently, that definition feels hollow. Early retirement attempts left me restless, a feeling I initially dismissed as simple “restlessness.” But as I delved deeper into philosophy, I realised this yearning wasn’t unique.
Life, for most of us, is a constant state of flux. We evolve, shed past versions of ourselves like a snake moulting its skin. Yet, sometimes we find ourselves stuck, defined by expectations or past experiences. This is where the act of defining or redefining ourselves becomes crucial. It’s a chance to break free from limitations and step into a future that aligns with who we truly are.
The freedom to choose your own path
Throughout history, great thinkers have pondered the human condition. What makes us human? What does it mean to live a “good life”? In this journey, Existentialism offers a powerful lens. Imagine life as a blank canvas. You aren’t born with a pre-determined purpose or painting already sketched out. It’s up to you — the artist — to pick up the brush and create your own masterpiece.
There’s a school of thought that believes in a predetermined destiny, a path laid out by a higher power. Existentialism rejects this notion. Instead, it champions free will — the power to choose your future through your actions and thoughts. Here are some key ideas that define Existentialism:
Freedom and Choice: It embraces the responsibility of making choices about your life, career, and even your personality.
No Inherent Meaning: Life doesn’t come with a manual. You have to decide what matters to you and create your own purpose.
Facing the Absurd: The universe might not care about your existence, but that doesn’t make your life meaningless.Despite the “absurdity” of it all, you can create meaning through your choices.
Defining Yourself Through Action: You are not defined by labels or your past. You become who you are through the choices you make and the actions you take.
Philosophical voices on the road to self-discovery
Several prominent philosophers offer insights into this journey.
Jean-Paul Sartre: He argued that existence precedes essence — we create ourselves through our choices, not the other way around. This encourages taking responsibility for our lives. We are the sum of our decisions, the paths we travel.
Simone de Beauvoir: Sartre’s partner, a leading feminist thinker, tackled similar themes. She argued that societal expectations often limit women’s potential. True self-definition, she believed, required challenging these limitations and forging your own authentic path. By uncovering your core values (honesty, kindness, creativity, etc.), you gain a compass to navigate life.
Albert Camus: This philosopher wrestled with the apparent lack of inherent meaning in existence. He called this the “absurd.” However, he didn’t advocate for despair. Instead, he proposed embracing the absurd, living authentically, and creating meaning despite an indifferent universe.
Martin Heidegger: Though not strictly an existentialist, he explored similar themes of authenticity. He argued that our “being-in-the-world” shapes who we are. This “being” involves our interactions with the world and others. By engaging authentically, we contribute to defining ourselves and shaping our purpose.
Søren Kierkegaard: Often considered the “father of existentialism,” he explored themes of anxiety, faith, and individual freedom.
Friedrich Nietzsche: Though not strictly an existentialist, his ideas on self-creation and overcoming traditional morality influenced existentialist thought.
Maurice Merleau-Ponty: He focused on the lived experience of being human and the role of the body in shaping our perception of the world.
Karl Jaspers: He emphasised individual freedom and responsibility in the face of alienation and despair.
Taking Action: Embark on Your Journey
Self-definition is a lifelong quest, not a destination. Here are some ways to begin your own journey:
Challenge Yourself: Learn a new skill, take a class, or explore a new hobby.
Seek Diverse Experiences: Travel, volunteer, or connect with people from different backgrounds.
Embrace the Unknown: Step outside your comfort zone, even if it means encountering failures. Growth is messy.
Celebrate Authenticity: Embrace the multifaceted nature of who you are. Don’t let labels limit your potential.
Remember, redefining yourself is a lifelong adventure. As Sartre might say, “choose yourself” every day. If you’re interested you should explore the works of these philosophers to delve deeper into these themes and discover how their ideas can shape your own self-discovery journey.