The death of existentialism in modern society.

OK, that's a bit of a "meaty" title.  Let me try to expand on the meaning a bit before you run off.

Existentialism deals with the real condition of human existence based on the subject individual's emotions, actions, responsibilities and thoughts.  In other words it is an introspective approach to finding the "meaning of life".

In many ways, I am an existentialist.  Now, before you condemn me for embracing a label, please bear in mind that there are very few hard rules that apply to existentialism, unlike many other labels one might choose to associate with.  In fact falling under the existential label, actually frees one from other labels and categories.

Let me go a little further.  Existentialism, to me, is best summed up by Soren Kierkegaard.  He maintained that the individual is solely responsible for giving  his or her own life meaning and for living that life passionately and sincerely in spite of many existential obstacles and distractions including despair, angst, absurdity, alienation and boredom.  This is literally "the meat of the matter". 

Keep in mind that existentialism came into being long before we had the distractions of the modern world.  People were more likely to base their own opinions and beliefs on what they observed, rather than form them based on what they were told.  Existentialism is based on individual freedom coupled with being responsible for one's own motivations.  In other words, it meant that you should be who you are, because that is who the inner man is, and you owed it to yourself and society as a whole to be the genuine "you".

This is why I do not embrace political or social labels.  In order to label oneself as belonging to a group, you must give up some ideals that represent who you are as an individual.  There is no theoretical pigeon hole large enough to hold more than one person.  Modern society has done it's best to diminish the power and importance of the individual.  It has become necessary to feel like one "belongs" or is "part of" something greater than oneself.  I say "Hogwash!"  What is more important than being who you are and living your life the way you feel and know inside that you should?  Today's political climate/system is a perfect example of the slow death of the existential point of view.  In order to have your voice "heard" or you vote "counted", you must embrace a group that may not represent everything that you stand for and believe in.  Too often we are given the "easy way out" by just picking a certain party or ideology based on what the media or society tells us is more acceptable, instead of doing the hard work of taking an internal inventory of who we really are and having the will to stand outside of the group and say "No, this is me and I am not going to sacrifice who I am in order to participate in your group." 

I believe that most people who are on a path of consciousness growth or personal development have a bit of the existential spirit in them.  I would urge you, the next time you are facing a decision to listen to that little voice that questions your motivation.  Don't let the fire of the individual inside die.  Be yourself in all things that you do.  You will find more love for your fellow man, and your fellow man will love and respect you more for being genuine.  Even if some one does not agree with you, if you are genuine it is more likely they will respect your perspective. 

Until next time, be you and I'll be me.  Tom.