"Transcending all goals, reflection wonders, "What's the use?" There then blazes forth the absurdity of a life which has sought outside of itself the justifications which it alone could give itself. Detached from the freedom which might have genuinely grounded them, all the ends that have been pursued appear arbitrary and useless."Simone de Beauvoir in … Continue reading Freedom to Give Meaning
Freedom vs Liberation
What is the difference between freedom and liberation? Is it the same to be free and to be liberated? For example, if I am at liberty to go where and do what I please, does it follow I am free? Or, more precisely, that I feel free? I do not think so. As philosophers Frantz … Continue reading Freedom vs Liberation
How Many Opportunities Are Enough?
Big cities offer more opportunities than smaller ones. It is such a familiar statement that it feels almost empty. Yet, we tend to repeat the things best known to us. That is how habits form and are reinforced - repetition. Patterns of thought. Everyday motions that are second nature to us are born out of … Continue reading How Many Opportunities Are Enough?
Revisiting Existentialism in Disney
This is an article I wrote precisely one year ago. It explores existentialist themes I discovered in Disney's Lion King story of Timon and Pumba. Today, while researching 13th-century theologian and philosopher Thomas Aquinas's thoughts on individuality and subjectivity, I felt it can be useful to revisit this post. I hope it inspires you to … Continue reading Revisiting Existentialism in Disney
Timon, Pumba, Existentialism
Here is an interesting example of why it is worth the effort to invest time and energy into self-development and learning. It is an example from personal experience. If I were to ask you, what do Disney movies have in common with philosophy, what would your first thought be? I can say for myself - … Continue reading Timon, Pumba, Existentialism
Spreading the Word: On Being Yourself
This Friday, I share with you two short videos. Something inspiring for the weekend. And perhaps something to think about. I've decided that Fridays are good days to post my 'Spreading the Word' pieces. So, from now on, they will appear on Fridays instead of Thursdays. It is a somewhat striking and very sad truth … Continue reading Spreading the Word: On Being Yourself
Spreading the Word: Existentialism
Today I share with you a short video about Existentialism. I think they've managed to capture the main ideas of this philosophical attitude nicely and have presented them in a clear way. We are all after meaning in our lives. And there is absurdity in that. Why? Well, as an existentialist would say - because … Continue reading Spreading the Word: Existentialism
humanfactor 