Existential Animoto Blog #3

Eventhough there are some aspects that I do not agree with, existetialism has some pillars I base my life off of.  I agree with the pillars of authenticity and individuality because those are the two major philosophies I like to live my life.  These are very important to me because they are my motives for having a life I want.

Authenticity to me means live life how you want it.  It is your desire, making your own choices, and doing the things you want to do on your own.  This is to be independent of other's influence, like taking your own path for example.  You would want to be close to the original person you tend to be.

Individuality is almost like authenticity.  This is when you are your own person.  Why try to blend in with others when you were meant to stand out?  You are distinguished from others.  Even when there are hardships in your life, you need to be ready to accept consequences from them, and to move on.  People also need to live in the moment without question, and not let others interfere.  One needs to live life as it it's an endless highway, with ups and downs in life.  Every person is different; every person has their own life to live.

Existentialism gives people freedom to be their selves.  I agree with this because one person can't live my life; only I can live it for ME.

Post #2: How I feel about Existentialism

I feel existentialism is a very complex idea.  I understand that it is a philosophy of how people should live their life.  The idea deals with a specific view of the world and people placed in it.  It emphasizes what it means to exist.  I understand that it is about the individual, and how everyone has freedom and choice.  Also, I get that existentialism does not rely on rational (logic) thinking, and that some things are irrational and/or absurd without having an explanation for them.  I do not understand, however, how science and religion play a role in this philosophy.  I am unclear as to if this idea is refusing science because science shows logical explanations for subjects.  I also question about the religion part.   I think this philosophy is great for the individual, but it has flaws.  For instance, this idea argues that human beings have a freewill.  I disagree with this because I believe we were brought a life for a purpose.  I also disagree with the idea that one should only live in the presence.  People do not just live in the present, they live for their future.  For example, high school students learn to be prepared for college for their future.  They may also take events and/or mistakes from their past to learn from them to have a better future.  It makes me upset when existentialism denies the past and future because I believe memories are important, and making mistakes from the past. One can learn from them to not make the same mistakes again in their present or future life.  Existentialism is a good idea for individuality, but there are many uncertainties about it. 

"It is difficult to connect with anyone or anything"

I disagree with this comment because, yes, although there are some people who are very shy and maybe socially akward, they can at least have a connection with others in their lives.  Those kinds of people have many chances to connect with other people or things, like animals and nature, throughout their lives.  The connection does not have to be grand; it can be a relationship with close friends or even family.  People who are not shy have it easier.  If they are not timid around others, they can have connections with others, even relationships easier.  These are the people who have high self esteem in themselves, and do not mind having different connections with different kinds of people.  It may be easier for them to have connections with others than a shy person, but both are capable to have a connection with friends, family, and nature.  Even nature with animals can connect with a person.  A pet can be a huge deal in one's life, either that it makes a person happy or relaxes them by seeing them.  To have a connection, it does not have to be difficult, just as long as the person is willing to accept the connection.