The Importance of Authenticity in a Man's Life
Edulan, Chris Lawrence O.
February 28, 2013
The Importance of Authenticity in man’s life Authenticity, as defined by existentialist philosophers, is the degree to which one is true to one's own personality, spirit, or character, despite external pressures. According to Jean-Paul Sartre, “Existence precedes essence”, in other words, man makes himself. In order for him to define himself, he should be totally free. But, how can he be free totally? Man can be totally free when he lives an authentic way of living. By living a life of authenticity, man should not seek guidance towards the established codes of life. He should decline every sort of objective morals and values that is set by his society for him¹. By this, he should be living his life according to his true self. Living by his true nature requires him his freedom of choice. And by creating his own choices, he freely makes his own actions despite external forces. These actions which he freely chooses are now the basis of his existence. But in order for him to be able to live an authentic life, he must take full responsibility for all of his actions. Knowing things about freedom and authentic living, what are its implications to man’s life? Being authentic will enable a man to live his life to the fullest. And living life to the fullest means is to have a life that is joyful, meaningful, and full of values and happiness. By living authentically, he will be able to liberate himself from the barriers that are cast to him by his society. By transcending the presupposed purposes-in-life, the true purpose of his existence become so clear to him. With the knowledge of his existence’s ultimate purpose, he can formulate the best decisions for himself. Deciding according to his own choices will lead him towards the fulfilment of his personal goals. In sum, all these things will guide him to a more comfortable and a better life in which he lives through the assistance of his own choices
February 28, 2013
The Importance of Authenticity in man’s life Authenticity, as defined by existentialist philosophers, is the degree to which one is true to one's own personality, spirit, or character, despite external pressures. According to Jean-Paul Sartre, “Existence precedes essence”, in other words, man makes himself. In order for him to define himself, he should be totally free. But, how can he be free totally? Man can be totally free when he lives an authentic way of living. By living a life of authenticity, man should not seek guidance towards the established codes of life. He should decline every sort of objective morals and values that is set by his society for him¹. By this, he should be living his life according to his true self. Living by his true nature requires him his freedom of choice. And by creating his own choices, he freely makes his own actions despite external forces. These actions which he freely chooses are now the basis of his existence. But in order for him to be able to live an authentic life, he must take full responsibility for all of his actions. Knowing things about freedom and authentic living, what are its implications to man’s life? Being authentic will enable a man to live his life to the fullest. And living life to the fullest means is to have a life that is joyful, meaningful, and full of values and happiness. By living authentically, he will be able to liberate himself from the barriers that are cast to him by his society. By transcending the presupposed purposes-in-life, the true purpose of his existence become so clear to him. With the knowledge of his existence’s ultimate purpose, he can formulate the best decisions for himself. Deciding according to his own choices will lead him towards the fulfilment of his personal goals. In sum, all these things will guide him to a more comfortable and a better life in which he lives through the assistance of his own choices