Existentialism and Absurdism both explore human existence and meaning. They question whether life has inherent purpose. Existentialism argues that individuals create their own meaning through choices. Absurdism, in contrast, suggests that searching for meaning is pointless because the universe is indifferent.
Both philosophies acknowledge life’s uncertainties but offer different responses. Existentialists emphasize responsibility and authenticity. Absurdists accept meaninglessness and focus on living despite it. Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus are key figures in these discussions.
Understanding these perspectives helps in navigating uncertainty. This article examines their core ideas, differences, and major thinkers.
Definitions of Existentialism and Absurdism
Existentialism
Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and responsibility. It argues that people define their own existence through actions, rather than adhering to predetermined meanings. The phrase “existence precedes essence,” coined by Jean-Paul Sartre, captures this idea—humans are not born with a fixed purpose but must shape their own identity. Existentialists stress authenticity, urging individuals to live in alignment with their true selves rather than societal expectations. Major thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Simone de Beauvoir explored these themes, often highlighting the challenges of personal responsibility and the weight of human freedom.
Absurdism
Absurdism, largely associated with Albert Camus, examines the contradiction between humanity’s search for meaning and the universe’s apparent lack of it. Camus described this conflict as “the absurd”—a fundamental disconnect between human desire for purpose and the silent, indifferent world. Unlike existentialists, who advocate for constructing personal meaning, absurdists argue that such attempts are futile. Instead of surrendering to despair, Camus proposed embracing life fully, despite its meaninglessness. His famous essay The Myth of Sisyphus illustrates this idea, suggesting that acknowledging and accepting the absurd allows one to live with freedom and defiance.
Both existentialism and absurdism challenge traditional religious and philosophical notions of universal meaning. They reject the idea that life follows a preordained purpose. However, while existentialism urges individuals to create meaning through action, absurdism suggests accepting meaninglessness without retreating into false beliefs. This distinction shapes how each philosophy approaches human freedom, responsibility, and the experience of anxiety.
Core Principles of Existentialism
#1. Existence Precedes Essence
One of the most fundamental ideas in existentialism is that existence comes before essence. Jean-Paul Sartre argued that humans are not born with a predefined purpose. Instead, individuals must create their own identity through actions and choices. This stands in opposition to traditional religious and philosophical views, which claim that life has inherent meaning assigned by a higher power or universal truth.
Since there is no built-in essence, people bear the responsibility of defining themselves. This freedom can be liberating but also overwhelming. Without a predetermined path, individuals face uncertainty and must actively shape their lives. For existentialists, personal meaning is not found—it is made.
#2. Radical Freedom and Personal Responsibility
Existentialism asserts that humans possess radical freedom. Each person has the ability—and the burden—to choose their path without relying on external authorities. Sartre famously said, “Man is condemned to be free,” meaning that with freedom comes the inescapable responsibility of defining one’s existence. There is no escaping choice, even in inaction.
This concept rejects deterministic views that suggest life is governed by fate, divine will, or societal structures. Instead, existentialists emphasize that individuals must own their decisions. While this can cause anxiety, it also allows for authentic living. True freedom is not just the ability to choose, but the willingness to take responsibility for those choices.
#3. The Absurdity of Life
Existentialists recognize that life often appears absurd. There is no clear reason for human existence, and the universe does not provide objective meaning. This can lead to a sense of disorientation, as individuals struggle to find purpose in a world that offers no inherent guidance.
Despite this absurdity, existentialists reject nihilism. They argue that individuals must confront meaninglessness rather than succumb to despair. By acknowledging the absurd, people can choose to create their own meaning and live authentically. This is where existentialism and absurdism diverge—existentialists believe in constructing meaning, while absurdists argue that meaning itself is an illusion.
#4. Authenticity and Self-Creation
Authenticity is central to existentialist thought. To live authentically means to act in alignment with one’s true self, rather than conforming to external expectations. Many people fall into what Heidegger called “the they” (das Man)—a state of passive existence where they adopt societal values without questioning them.
Existentialists argue that true self-creation requires deep reflection and the courage to defy norms when necessary. Simone de Beauvoir extended this idea to feminism, stating that women must reject socially imposed roles to achieve authentic existence. Living authentically is not easy—it requires constant self-examination and the willingness to embrace uncertainty.
#5. The Importance of Choice
Choice is at the heart of existentialist philosophy. Every decision shapes an individual’s identity, and avoiding choice is itself a choice. Unlike deterministic worldviews that claim external forces dictate human behavior, existentialists insist that people must actively engage in their own lives.
However, the freedom to choose comes with responsibility. Kierkegaard described this as “the dizziness of freedom”—the anxiety that arises when faced with limitless possibilities. Some people try to escape this responsibility by following societal norms blindly. Existentialists warn against this, advocating instead for conscious, deliberate decision-making.
#6. Alienation and the Individual
Existentialism often explores themes of alienation. As individuals become more aware of their freedom, they may feel isolated from others who conform to societal expectations. This alienation can stem from rejecting traditional beliefs, questioning authority, or feeling disconnected from the world’s apparent indifference.
Nietzsche addressed this idea in his concept of the “overman” (Übermensch)—a person who transcends conventional morality and forges their own values. However, this process can be lonely. Existentialists acknowledge that embracing one’s individuality may come at the cost of belonging, yet they argue that true fulfillment comes from living authentically, even in isolation.
#7. The Role of Anxiety and Angst
Anxiety, or “angst,” plays a crucial role in existentialist thought. Unlike fear, which has a specific object, existential anxiety is a response to the uncertainty of existence itself. Kierkegaard described it as “the dizziness of freedom”—the unsettling realization that humans are responsible for their own fate.
This anxiety can be paralyzing, but existentialists view it as a necessary part of life. Instead of avoiding it, they argue that embracing anxiety leads to self-discovery. Sartre suggested that those who deny their anxiety are living in “bad faith,” avoiding responsibility by deceiving themselves. Facing existential anxiety head-on is essential for authentic living.
#8. Rejection of Universal Truths
Existentialists reject the idea of absolute, universal truths. They argue that meaning is subjective and must be created by individuals rather than imposed by religious, cultural, or philosophical systems. This challenges traditional structures that claim to offer objective meaning, such as organized religion or political ideologies.
Nietzsche’s famous declaration that “God is dead” reflects this rejection. He did not mean that a literal deity had died, but that traditional sources of meaning had lost their power in the modern world. Existentialists encourage people to embrace this uncertainty and build their own values rather than rely on predetermined truths.
#9. The Search for Meaning in an Indifferent World
Existentialists acknowledge that humans have an innate desire for meaning, yet the universe offers none. This creates a tension between personal longing and reality. While some might turn to religion or ideology for comfort, existentialists argue that true meaning must come from within.
Sartre believed that individuals define their own purpose through actions. Camus, though more aligned with absurdism, recognized this struggle in works like The Stranger and The Myth of Sisyphus. The search for meaning is not about finding an external truth but about creating a life that aligns with one’s values, despite the world’s indifference.
#10. Emphasis on the Present Moment
Existentialists stress the importance of living in the present. Since the future is uncertain and the past cannot be changed, the only meaningful time is now. This aligns with Nietzsche’s concept of “eternal recurrence”—the idea that one should live as if they were to repeat their life infinitely, ensuring that every action holds significance.
Rather than dwelling on the unknown, existentialists encourage embracing each moment fully. Heidegger emphasized “being-toward-death”—the awareness that life is finite, which should motivate people to live authentically. By focusing on the present, individuals can make conscious choices that shape their existence meaningfully.
Core Principles of Absurdism
#1. Life is Inherently Meaningless
Absurdism asserts that life has no inherent meaning. Unlike existentialists, who believe individuals can create their own purpose, absurdists argue that any attempt to find ultimate meaning is futile. Albert Camus, the most well-known absurdist thinker, explored this in The Myth of Sisyphus, where he compared human existence to the Greek myth of Sisyphus—endlessly rolling a boulder uphill, only for it to roll back down.
This does not mean absurdists embrace nihilism, which suggests that nothing matters at all. Instead, absurdists acknowledge meaninglessness as an unavoidable truth but argue that this realization should not lead to despair. Instead of seeking false meaning, they advocate for accepting life as it is and continuing to live fully despite its absurdity.
#2. Human Desire for Meaning Vs The Universe’s Indifference
A key idea in absurdism is the conflict between human beings’ deep-seated need for purpose and the universe’s lack of response. Camus described this as the absurd condition—a fundamental mismatch between what humans want and what the world provides. People seek meaning through religion, philosophy, and ideology, but these frameworks fail to deliver ultimate answers.
This contradiction creates tension. Some try to escape it by embracing religious faith or artificial systems of meaning. However, absurdists argue that such solutions are dishonest because they impose structure on a universe that offers none. Instead of retreating into illusions, Camus encouraged confronting the absurd directly and living in defiance of it.
#3. The Absurdity of Human Existence
Absurdism highlights how human existence itself is absurd. Every person is thrown into the world without explanation, forced to navigate life with limited understanding. Despite making plans and setting goals, death remains inevitable, rendering many pursuits ultimately insignificant. This absurdity is especially apparent when people search for objective truths that do not exist.
Absurdists do not suggest that absurdity is a problem to be solved. Instead, they emphasize recognizing and accepting it. Camus argued that the only philosophical question that truly matters is whether life is worth living in a meaningless world. His answer was clear: life is absurd, but it is still worth embracing.
#4. Acceptance of the Absurd
Rather than resisting or denying absurdity, absurdism advocates for accepting it. Camus called this “revolt”—not in the sense of overthrowing something, but in choosing to live despite meaninglessness. Acceptance does not mean resignation; rather, it means rejecting false comforts while continuing to engage with life fully.
This perspective shifts how one views existence. Instead of feeling paralyzed by the lack of purpose, an absurdist embraces freedom from imposed meanings. This allows for a more honest and fulfilling experience of life, free from the constraints of ideology or external expectations.
#5. Rejection of Traditional Religious and Philosophical Explanations
Absurdists reject religious and philosophical systems that attempt to impose meaning on a meaningless universe. Many religious traditions provide answers to life’s big questions—why we are here, what happens after death, and what our purpose is. Absurdists see these answers as fabrications designed to ease existential discomfort.
Likewise, grand philosophical systems that claim to offer ultimate truths are viewed with skepticism. While existentialists like Kierkegaard and Sartre acknowledge uncertainty but still promote self-created meaning, absurdists maintain that meaning itself is unattainable. Instead of following constructed narratives, absurdists advocate for confronting reality as it is.
#6. Personal Freedom in Response to the Absurd
Absurdism does not lead to hopelessness; instead, it opens the door to personal freedom. If life has no inherent meaning, individuals are free to live however they choose without being bound by predefined roles or ideologies. This echoes existentialist ideas about radical freedom but removes the expectation of meaning-making.
Camus called this “the freedom of the condemned.” Just as a prisoner on death row knows their fate and thus has nothing to lose, individuals who accept absurdity can act with total autonomy. This does not mean reckless behavior; rather, it means making choices without the illusion of ultimate purpose dictating them.
#7. Living Fully Despite the Lack of Inherent Meaning
Absurdism encourages individuals to live life to the fullest, not in spite of meaninglessness, but because of it. If life has no ultimate goal, then every moment becomes valuable in itself. Camus suggested that people should “revolt” against the absurd by enjoying life’s experiences without seeking deeper justification.
This perspective shifts the focus from existential worry to immediate engagement with life. Instead of endlessly searching for purpose, absurdists focus on personal fulfillment, whether through relationships, art, work, or simple pleasures. In The Myth of Sisyphus, Camus concludes that “one must imagine Sisyphus happy”—despite his futile task, he still finds joy in the struggle.
#8. Embracing the Present Moment
Since the future is uncertain and ultimate meaning is unattainable, absurdists emphasize the importance of living in the present. Seeking long-term purpose is futile, but enjoying the moment is entirely possible. This aligns with existentialist thought but removes the expectation of creating meaning.
This approach fosters a deep appreciation for life. Absurdists do not deny suffering or struggle, but they refuse to let these realities overshadow existence itself. Every experience, no matter how fleeting, is valuable simply because it happens. This mindset leads to a life filled with curiosity, engagement, and acceptance.
#9. The Inevitability of Death and its Implications
Absurdism recognizes death as the ultimate confirmation of life’s meaninglessness. No matter what one accomplishes, everything eventually fades. This can be a terrifying realization, but absurdists argue that it should be liberating. If death is inevitable, then life should be lived as fully as possible, without hesitation or delay.
Rather than fearing mortality, absurdists use it as motivation. Since nothing lasts forever, there is no reason to postpone joy, curiosity, or adventure. Camus wrote extensively about embracing life in the face of death, insisting that awareness of mortality should encourage a deeper engagement with existence.
#10. The Role of Rebellion in Finding Personal Meaning
Absurdists advocate for rebellion—not in the political sense, but as a way of defying meaninglessness by living authentically. This “rebellion” is not about discovering a hidden truth but about embracing absurdity without falling into despair. Camus believed that rebellion is a way to assert one’s freedom in a world that offers none.
This rebellion is not about seeking answers but about refusing to be defeated by the lack of them. By living in defiance of the absurd, individuals can create personal significance, even if it has no objective foundation. This, for Camus, is the ultimate victory—not solving the absurd, but learning to live with it.
Major Philosophers in Existentialism and Absurdism
#1. Søren Kierkegaard
Søren Kierkegaard is considered the father of existentialism. He introduced the idea that individuals must take personal responsibility for finding meaning in their lives. Kierkegaard rejected the idea that religious or philosophical systems could provide absolute truths. Instead, he argued that faith is a personal and subjective experience, not something that can be rationally justified. His concept of the “leap of faith” suggests that belief in God is an individual choice rather than a logical conclusion.
Kierkegaard also explored the role of anxiety, or “angst,” in human existence. He believed that anxiety arises when people confront the freedom to define their own lives. His work, particularly Fear and Trembling and The Concept of Anxiety, laid the groundwork for later existentialist thinkers. Unlike later existentialists who embraced atheism, Kierkegaard saw faith as the ultimate resolution to existential despair.
#2. Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich Nietzsche challenged traditional morality, religion, and philosophical thought. He declared that “God is dead,” not as a literal statement, but as a critique of society’s declining reliance on religious values. Nietzsche argued that humans must create their own values rather than accept inherited moral systems. His concept of the “Übermensch” (Overman or Superman) represents an individual who transcends societal norms to forge a unique path.
Nietzsche also explored nihilism, the belief that life lacks inherent meaning. He feared that nihilism could lead to despair and inaction, so he encouraged individuals to affirm life despite its lack of objective purpose. His works, including Thus Spoke Zarathustra and Beyond Good and Evil, heavily influenced existentialist and absurdist thought, particularly in their rejection of external meaning and emphasis on personal transformation.
#3. Jean-Paul Sartre
Jean-Paul Sartre was one of the most influential existentialist thinkers of the 20th century. He famously declared that “existence precedes essence,” meaning that humans are not born with a predetermined purpose. Instead, they must define themselves through their actions. Sartre emphasized radical freedom, arguing that every choice carries full responsibility, making individuals the sole authors of their lives.
In Being and Nothingness, Sartre explored concepts such as bad faith—when people deceive themselves to avoid the burden of freedom. He argued that many people live inauthentic lives by conforming to societal expectations instead of embracing their freedom. Sartre’s existentialism had a strong political dimension as well, as he advocated for human agency in shaping history.
#4. Simone de Beauvoir
Simone de Beauvoir extended existentialist ideas into the realm of feminism. In The Second Sex, she examined how societal structures force women into restrictive roles, denying them the freedom to define their own existence. She argued that women, like all individuals, must reject imposed identities and create their own paths.
De Beauvoir’s existentialism focused on the interplay between freedom and oppression. She explored how power structures limit personal agency and how individuals can resist these constraints. Her work not only contributed to existentialist philosophy but also laid the foundation for modern feminist thought. She was also Sartre’s intellectual partner, influencing and expanding existentialist ideas through her writing and activism.
#5. Martin Heidegger
Martin Heidegger introduced a unique form of existential thought that focused on being itself. In Being and Time, he explored the nature of existence, emphasizing the concept of “Dasein,” or “being-in-the-world.” He argued that people must confront their own mortality to live authentically. Awareness of death, according to Heidegger, forces individuals to take responsibility for their choices.
Unlike Sartre, who focused on human freedom, Heidegger examined how people exist within a broader context. He believed that most people live in an unreflective state, absorbed in everyday activities. Only by confronting the inevitability of death can they break free from conformity and live with purpose. His ideas greatly influenced later existentialist and postmodern thinkers.
#6. Albert Camus
Albert Camus is the central figure of absurdism. He argued that life has no inherent meaning, but that people should embrace it anyway. In The Myth of Sisyphus, he used the story of Sisyphus—a man condemned to roll a boulder uphill for eternity—as a metaphor for human existence. Camus concluded that even in the face of absurdity, one must imagine Sisyphus happy.
Unlike Sartre and Kierkegaard, Camus rejected both theistic faith and existentialist meaning-making. He proposed “revolt” as the only valid response to the absurd. This does not mean violent rebellion but rather a refusal to succumb to despair. By fully engaging with life without seeking ultimate answers, individuals can find personal fulfillment. His novels, such as The Stranger and The Plague, illustrate his philosophy in action.
#7. Karl Jaspers
Karl Jaspers was a German philosopher who explored themes of existentialism and human freedom. He believed that philosophy should focus on personal experience rather than abstract theories. In his work, he introduced the concept of “limit situations”—moments of crisis where individuals confront the limits of their existence, such as suffering or death.
Jaspers argued that these moments provide opportunities for personal transformation. He also emphasized the importance of communication and dialogue in shaping human understanding. While he shared some existentialist concerns, he remained more open to metaphysical and religious interpretations of existence. His work influenced both existentialist and postmodern thinkers, bridging the gap between philosophy and psychology.
Conclusion
Existentialism and absurdism both confront the challenge of meaning in a world that offers none. Existentialists argue that individuals must create their own purpose through choice and action, while absurdists, like Camus, believe that accepting life’s meaninglessness is itself a form of liberation. Both philosophies reject traditional structures and emphasize personal responsibility. The key difference lies in how they respond to the absurd—existentialists seek meaning despite it, while absurdists embrace it. Understanding these perspectives helps individuals navigate uncertainty, freedom, and the search for authenticity. In the end, both challenge us to live with awareness and intention.