The existentialist emphasis on individual choice can be empowering but also overwhelming from "summary" of Humanly Possible by Sarah Bakewell
Existentialism is a philosophy that places a strong emphasis on individual choice and responsibility. This emphasis can be empowering, as it encourages individuals to take control of their own lives and make decisions based on their own values and beliefs. However, it can also be overwhelming, as it forces individuals to confront the fact that they are ultimately responsible for their own existence and the choices they make. One of the key figures in existentialism, Jean-Paul Sartre, famously stated that "existence precedes essence." This means that individuals are free to define themselves through their actions and choices, rather than being predetermined by some external force. While this idea can be liberating, it can also be daunting, as it places the burden of defining one's own existence ...
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