On Purpose IV

Nihilism, Existentialism, and Absurdism

To wrap up our week on purpose and meaning, I want to share a bit of a map.

Today’s newsletter will be short and overarching, a bit more informative than editorial.

But, if you’re anything like me, you find this stuff super interesting and helpful (hoping that’s the case anyway!)

Let’s take a step back from finding our own personal meanings, and look at the conversation that is happening between Nihilism, Existentialism, and Absurdism.

Existentialism

Some key philosophers: Viktor Frankl, Simone de Beauvoir, and Jean-Paul Sarte

Main Idea: Life doesn’t provide purpose, we create it with projects, enjoyment, and relationships.

Nihilism

Some key philosophers: Fredrick Neichze, Martin Heidegger

Main Idea: Life is ultimately pointless, and we can resist that by creating lesser meaning, or surrender to it with acceptance.

Absurdism

Some key philosophers: Albert Camu

Main Idea: Most attempts at meaning and purpose are ultimately short of being real or true, but they are helpful as we discover and u…