Introduction to Existentialism

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Recommended Readings on Existentialism:
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In this lecture we look at the history of existentialism, examine what for existentialists is the key concern of philosophy, discuss the phrase existence precedes essence, and differentiate between existentialism and nihilism.
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[johnchabu]

Einstein would say, "if you cannot explain it simple, you simply just don't understand enough". thanks for making it simple

[Automedon]

It is so amazing to discover that the way I have seen life, all my life is a thing and has a name. For 65 years I have thought of myself as an alien amongst others who all seem to think and behave alike. I have never read philosophy and the people mentioned have just been names I've heard, but knew nothing about. What a revelation

[Innavata]

I can completely relate to the poem that Nietzsche wrote at the very end. I've a been a loner most of my life. The masses hate when you are your true self and your a free spirit. They crucify you by ignoring and condemning you. It is so painful yet so great to smell the fresh air on the top of the mountain!!! Maybe that's why I love Nietzsche so much and why I already have half of his works in the last 7 months. My Unconscious mind did it!!!! Or it's an omen!!!

[Mr.MBarrett]

I've never felt more alive and ambitious after reading Nietzsche. The liberty of free thought and individual purpose!

[RiverDogRun]

I came to the same conclusions of the existentialist philosophers on my own, but it took me decades of reasoning.

I am very comfortable with my own interpretation of existence, and therefore I am happy.  The path was not easy, but it's certainly worth travelling.

[thesarfaraz]

Be a witness to what happens ..and you will realize that everything that happens is the reason for everything that happens.
You are the audience of your own grand drama... and you have to perform and deliver on the stage, lest the boredom of passivity get the best of you.

[Gar]

Existentialism:
Your life has no meaning, it is your job to find it's meaning.

Nihilism:
Your life has no meaning, it doesn't exist, never has, never will.

[oliviar]

Oh the joys of having existential depression since I was 11 years old...amazing video though! It helps me ground all of my thoughts

[eriv]

They like to crucify those who invent their own virtue for themselves - they hate the lonely one (Nietzsche).

[eugenecheong]

Thank you for clearing it up...I had a stroke at 31, a blood vessel exploded in my brain while I was jogging, and was in a coma for 3 weeks...and ever since I came back (woke up) I have those question constantly floating in my mind...

I was on the brink of death...and I've been questioning why did I get a 2nd chance at life...??? When I've been told, extremely few people get up from this...

Doctors have told me, because I've had a stroke at a very young age, I run a very high risk of having another one...so I have an very short 'expiry' date (death) than most people...I accepted death a long time ago...I don't know when it is...but until it comes, I will make the best of this 2nd chance...

Not personally for myself...but I want to use this 2nd chance to help people...

[einst]

there are easily more educated people in the comments here than on other informative videos, if only all of youtube was like this

[gnuPirate]

I find a lot of philosophy books dense and intimidating to start upon. I watch these videos, which are secondary sources, or occasionally dip into a philosophy reader, to "give me an overview" and simplified version of a philosopher's ideas, and see if there are any ideas that really grab me about some well known work, before I dive in and commit to a large philosophical work.I am a slow reader. Ultimately, I will interpret works myself, but many secondary interpretations are honest and useful.

[Grace-hcuq]

Most people I talk to say that philosophy (or more specifically the existential crisis you may sometimes go through while exploring the questions of the universe) is scary. Although I understand where they're coming from because it can be a little frightening, I find it so fulfilling to search. It's comforting to me because I don't need an answer (in fact I prefer the mystery of it all). I just love the journey it takes you on

[marumakoto]

I thank you immensely for this very simple yet intensive explanation of Existentialism. I’m preparing for a major exam and this video helped a lot. More power!

[williamcooper]

So this is essentially the formal way to say 'yolo'.

[krystal]

I recently became an existentialist and ive never been happier. Sometimes I do go into despair and anguish because im forced to make a decision in my life and I dont know what to do but I always make a choice and accept my fate. I feel free and im finally starting to real passion in my life and realizing that something as simple as painting a beautiful piece of artwork or having passionate sex can make life worth living and makes it meaningful to me. I used to be an alcoholic for 7 years and looking back on it now I was using alcohol to avoid dealing with problems which is essentially avoiding making choices that require action from me. I was living in a delusion and not really dealing with reality and not really feeling anything at all besides self pity and anger. Ive been sober for 7 months and existentialism has helped me live a better life and helped me stay sober. Everyone should be living like this!

[ramzanb]

Seeing the comments on this video restores my faith in humanity - so warming and nice to see people describing their life journey. On the internet people just appear as names, but always important we remember there is a real living, breathing human behind it - who has their own hopes, dreams, fears and anxieties.

I wish everyone the best on your continued voyage through life :)

[travismateleska]

As with all aspects of philosophy, much of this can be argued. Some, educated and aligned with academia, would argue that many of the claims in this video are wrong. I just want to say that by and large, this is a great introduction. For one who is looking to take an educated stand on the issues covered in this video, this is an amazing starting point. I just wanted to comment and say that this is a great way to start your venture into philosophy. One of the most important points of this video is that you cannot sum any of these ideas up in a simple slogan. This video faces the same problems that Sartre's "Existentialism is a Humanism" are met with. It is far too simplified. In the same way this is a problem, it is also a gift. You cannot jump into the complexities of these philosophies, unless you are truly a genius, without this simple grounding.  

[academyofideas]

Check out our Nietzsche and Nihilism series if you haven't already. More is on the way.

If you're interested in reading Nietzsche I'd recommend reading a book about his ideas before reading his works directly. I just finished "Friedrich Nietzsche and the Politics of the Soul: A Study of Heroic Individualism" by Leslie Thiele which was amazing and a great introduction to his key ideas.

When you read Nietzsche's actual works in my opinion it doesn't matter which one you start with.

[raphaelkw]

"Our ability to make free choices gives us the chance to sculpt a unique essence for ourselves during the course of our lifetime" 👌