Freedom is a terrifying burden from "summary" of Being and Nothingness by Jean-Paul Sartre
Freedom, that seemingly desirable state of autonomy and independence, is in fact a source of anxiety and dread for individuals. The burden of freedom lies in the responsibility it entails, the need to make choices and decisions that define one's existence. This burden becomes all the more terrifying when one realizes the ultimate consequence of their choices - that they are solely responsible for their own actions, that there is no external force or predetermined destiny to absolve them of their decisions. The weight of this burden can be paralyzing, leading individuals to seek refuge in conformity and obedience to societal norms. The fear of freedom stems from the uncertainty it brings, the lack of clear guidelines or rules to follow in a world devoid of inherent meaning or purpose. In the face of this existential void, individuals may attempt to escape their freedom by relinquishing their autonomy and surrendering to external authorities or belief systems. However, such attempts to evade freedom are ultimately futile, as one cannot escape the fundamental condition of human existence - the freedom to choose. This realization only serves to heighten the anxiety and anguish that accompany freedom, as individuals grapple with the weight of their choices and the consequences that follow. In this sense, freedom is not a liberating force, but a burden that must be borne with courage and integrity. To embrace freedom is to confront the inherent uncertainty and ambiguity of existence, to accept the responsibility of shaping one's own destiny. It requires a willingness to embrace the anxiety and dread that accompany freedom, to acknowledge the limits of one's knowledge and the contingency of one's existence. Only by facing this burden head-on can individuals truly experience the fullness of their freedom, transcending mere existence and attaining a true sense of selfhood.
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