From: lexfridman

Existentialist philosophy, with its exploration of the human condition, freedom, choice, and the absence of inherent meaning, has profoundly influenced literature and the arts. This influence is evident in the works of various writers and artists who have grappled with existentialist themes to express the complexities of human existence.

Core Concepts of Existentialism

Existentialism is often associated with the mid-20th century movement in French and German philosophy, with major figures like Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus, and Martin Heidegger. Each of these thinkers contributed to the existentialist view that existence precedes essence, suggesting that individuals define their own purpose and identity through their actions rather than adhering to predefined constructs [01:02:17].

For Sartre, existentialism posits that humans are “condemned to be free,” meaning they bear the full responsibility for their choices, without guidance from divine or predetermined rules [00:05:56]. This perspective has inspired countless narratives and artistic expressions focused on individual freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.

Literature Influenced by Existentialism

Dostoevsky and the Exploration of Guilt and Responsibility

Fyodor Dostoevsky’s works, such as “The Brothers Karamazov,” showcase themes central to existentialism, such as freedom, choice, and moral complexity. His narratives often revolve around characters facing existential dilemmas, exploring the profound burden of freedom and the weight of responsibility in the absence of a moral compass dictated by a divine being [00:41:01].

Camus and the Absurd

Albert Camus, although rejecting the existentialist label, deeply engaged with existentialist themes in works like “The Myth of Sisyphus” and “The Stranger.” Camus explored the absurd, highlighting the struggle to find meaning in an unreasonable and indifferent universe. He argued that human life is defined by the tension between the individual’s search for meaning and the universe’s silence, a concept deeply woven into the fabric of his literary output [00:58:03].

Existentialism in the Arts

Modern Art and the Crisis of Meaning

Existentialism significantly influenced modern art movements by confronting traditional conceptions of meaning and embracing subjectivity. Abstract expressionists and surrealists, for example, often sought to express the internal experiences of the individual, prioritizing personal reality over objective representation. This aligns with existentialist ideas that emphasize individual perception and experience as the foundation of truth and meaning.

Music and Jazz Improvisation

The improvisational nature of jazz can be seen as an embodiment of existentialist philosophy. As described in the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, jazz involves responding creatively to the present moment, a practice that mirrors existentialist emphases on individual freedom and expression [00:24:24].

Existentialism’s Cultural Legacy

Existentialist themes continue to resonate across literature and the arts, challenging artists to explore themes of freedom, isolation, and the search for authenticity. This philosophical movement has encouraged writers and creators to delve deeply into the human psyche, questioning societal norms and exploring the nature of existence itself.

Existential Themes in Contemporary Media

Many contemporary films, literature, and forms of media explore existential themes, reflecting the enduring legacy of existentialist philosophy on modern culture. Works often probe questions of identity, purpose, and human connection in an increasingly complex world, echoing the thoughts of pioneers like Sartre, Camus, and Dostoevsky.

By inspiring artists and writers to reflect on the human condition in new and profound ways, existentialism has left an indelible mark on the literary and artistic landscapes. Its focus on individual experience as the source of meaning continues to challenge and expand the boundaries of creative expression.