Existentialism, a philosophical movement that accentuates individual existence, freedom, and choice, has a profound history marked by periods of both ascent and decline. This blog post will traverse the rise and fall of existentialism, tracing its impactful journey through history.

Existentialism’s roots can be traced back to the works of Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche in the 19th century. Yet, it truly gained momentum as a recognized philosophical movement in the mid-20th century, primarily in France and Germany. The existentialists proposed a philosophical approach focused on the subjective, the irrational, personal freedom, and individual responsibility.

The horrors of World War II brought existentialism to the forefront of intellectual thought. The war highlighted the fragility of life, and people began questioning traditional beliefs and values. Philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus became the torchbearers of existentialism during this period.

Sartre’s works such as “Being and Nothingness” and “Existentialism is a Humanism” emphasize individual freedom, choice, and responsibility. Camus, on the other hand, explored the concept of the ‘absurd,’ the conflict between humans’ search for meaning and the universe’s indifference to it.

Existentialism made a significant impact on literature, psychology, theology, and even popular culture. It resonated with the post-war disillusionment, and the idea that individuals were free to create their own meaning in an absurd and seemingly purposeless world struck a chord with many, thus giving rise to the philosophy in the 20th century.