Existentialism, a ideology that developed in the 19th and 20th centuries, emphasizes personal freedom, free will, and personal experience. Fundamental to this ideology is the notion that existence comes before essence, indicating that individuals determine their own meaning and goals through their actions. Existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche contend that life has no inherent meaning, and it is up to each individual to determine their own values in a apparently indifferent cosmos.

This philosophy questions traditional notions of predetermination and the notion that life's meaning is predetermined. Rather, existentialist philosophy posits that individuals must acknowledge small business philosophy the underlying absurdity of life and accept their autonomy to choose and act. This often leads to an existential dilemma, where persons grapple with emotions of nervousness and bewilderment as they confront the emptiness of intrinsic meaning. Nevertheless, it is through this crisis that one can achieve genuine existence by acknowledging liability for one's actions and creating personal significance.

Existentialism also explores concepts of isolation, hopelessness, and the state of being human. In a environment where established principles and beliefs are often questioned, existentialism provides a framework for understanding the complexities of human existence. By acknowledging the absence of universal truths, existentialist thought urges people to exist vividly and genuinely, despite the doubts and difficulties of life. It is a invitation to accept the liberty and accountability that come with being a person, and to seek purpose in an otherwise indifferent world.