Find Your Life's Meaning
Existentialism Is a Humanism
by Jean-Paul Sartre
Philosophy
TL;DR
This book is all about radical self-creation and owning your choices because there's no divine blueprint or pre-set destiny. You gotta forge your own values and take full, terrifying responsibility for every single thing you do. It's a call to action to stop making excuses and embrace the heavy burden of your absolute freedom, realizing that you are what you do, not what you're told you should be. Basically, you're the CEO of your own existence, so start acting like it.
Action Items
Make one small, conscious choice today that goes against a 'should' you feel pressured by, just to prove you can. Like, wear mismatched socks if you usually coordinate, or order something new at your usual coffee spot.
Acknowledge a tough choice you're facing. Instead of avoiding it, sit with the discomfort of knowing it's your choice and your responsibility. Then, make a damn decision, even if it's just picking what to watch on Netflix.
Identify one area where you've been making excuses. For one day, try to reframe it as 'I choose to...' instead of 'I have to...' or 'I can't...' See how it feels to own that choice.
Think about a value you genuinely believe in (e.g., kindness, integrity, creativity). Do one small thing today that actively demonstrates that value, even if no one else notices.
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Key Chapter
Chapter - Existence Precedes Essence
This chapter is basically Sartre dropping the mic on the idea that you're born with a 'purpose' or a 'soul' that dictates who you are. Nah, fam. He's saying you just exist first, like a blank canvas, and then you paint your own damn essence through your choices and actions. It's like showing up to a party without a costume – you gotta decide who you're gonna be on the fly. This means you're totally free, but also totally responsible for every single thing you become. No blaming your parents, your stars, or your TikTok algorithm. It's all you, baby. So, stop waiting for destiny and start making moves.
Key Methods and Approaches
Your Life's a Blank Canvas
(AKA: Existence Precedes Essence)
Description:
You're born without a pre-defined purpose or nature. You make yourself up as you go.
Explanation:
Imagine you're a Sims character, but instead of the game giving you traits, you gotta pick 'em all yourself, every single day. No pre-loaded personality. You just are, and then you do, and that doing makes you who you are. It's like showing up to a buffet with an empty plate – you decide what goes on it, and that's your meal. No one's telling you to eat the soggy salad; you chose that life.
Examples:
Deciding to be a TikTok influencer even if your parents wanted you to be a doctor.
Choosing to be kind to someone even when it's easier to be a jerk.
Picking up a new hobby like pottery or coding just because you feel like it, not because it's 'your calling.'
Changing your entire aesthetic and friend group because you felt like it, not because of some grand plan.
Today's Action:
Make one small, conscious choice today that goes against a 'should' you feel pressured by, just to prove you can. Like, wear mismatched socks if you usually coordinate, or order something new at your usual coffee spot.
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