I have come to recognize that one of my favorite lines of thinking in the world of philosophy is the category of existentialism. Part of what attracts me to these ideas is the heavy emphasis on a world where the individual has the ability to construct a reality according to his own determination and will. At first glance, it might seem idealistic or at best optimistic, but the view cannot be summarized and reduced to this. In fact, one of the characteristics that describes existentialism is also the seriousness in which it admits our frailties and limitations in all human aspects. Our tendencies to err or shortcomings are key for an existentialist. Nietzsche, described as an existentialist by many, focused his whole human theory on the human instinct for power and dominion for instance, creating the Superman theory. And while many argued that existentialism led to a world that is obsessed with free will and consequently that it led to the problem with subjectivity, I tend to think that the world needs more of them--but those that are true to the heart of existentialism.
In a life where no one can escape death, mourning, suffering, injustice, hunger, exhaustion, ignorance, indifference, and the inability to truly touch and influence another individual--existentialism puts the finger in these wounds. In the sincere cry for the tragedy that is to be alive, (not that life itself is a tragedy--although many existentialist would argue for this) but that being alive contains much tragedy, we must act. In many forms and experiences, tragedy creeps up on us and taps on our shoulders and we turn in despair to see horror in the face.Our response must be defiant or else we are not only compliant but also collaborator of this condition. Our response, our action then is one of rebellion -- for we have no other one that truly dignifies us as human beings.
The irony here, is to walk a thin line between madness and realism. While Sartre for instance, said that there is no point of leverage to rely on that would save the human condition from its burdens and that the only response to the problem was to face our condition head on and because of this live consciously and fully aware that every decision truly is magnify in the great scheme of things, others submerged into madness for a solution. In a world that is desperately seeking to the realism of our condition, we need more mad people.
Madness, as a response is a legitimate answer. To say that within suffering there is purpose, to say that death does not end it all, to say that love can transcend all things--is to really be mad. This is what lies at the heart of existentialism, a call to freedom from our subjectivity we cannot escape and as a consequence a radical position in life. Life is a struggle, a fight, a strong force reminding you of your meaningless existence, why not answer from our deepest desire with a solemn word of resistance? No!
