The Conditions of Human Life and the Pathway to Authentic Being
Life is filled with suffering. It is an integral part of existence. But why is this the case? One reason is because of society's arbitrary judgment. Each of us has traits and features that are judged as insufficient by societal standards. This leads to suffering due to our imperfect insufficiency in the eyes of others.
Society can be seen as tyrannical and judgmental. It is important to constantly reconstitute it to prevent the tyrannical element from taking full control. However, this suffering is not limited to any specific society. Regardless of the society, when people come together and form a common value structure, many aspects of individuals are deemed sub-optimal. Thus, the price of social being is that much of oneself is deemed insufficient.
Thankfully, in a sufficiently diverse society, individuals can find a place where their unique qualities can flourish. It is not necessary to excel in every aspect. If one can be good at something well enough, it allows for finding a niche. A healthy society allows for this diversity.
Another reason for suffering is the arbitrariness of the natural world. Human beings have a limited lifespan, and this is not determined by social structures. The suffering that comes from the death of loved ones and the inevitable limits of our own existence is part of the human condition. It is not solely due to an insufficient social structure but rather a consequence of existence itself.
Additionally, individuals bear responsibility for their own suffering. There are actions that can be taken to make life better for oneself and others. Choosing not to take these actions leads to unnecessary suffering. Therefore, there are three reasons for suffering: the nature of human existence, societal judgment, and personal responsibility.
To navigate through suffering, it is important to adopt the mode of authentic being. This involves refusing to participate in deception and orienting one's speech towards the truth. It also means taking responsibility for one's own life and potentially the lives of others. This mode of being is both meaningful and noble, and it helps mitigate the suffering that often leads to nihilism or the embrace of totalitarian ideologies.
Authentic being provides shelter against vulnerability. By adopting a comprehensive understanding of reality that is self-formulated, individuals can resist the arbitrary division of the world into innocent victims and guilty perpetrators of suffering. Existentialists argue that suffering is an inherent part of existence. It is terrifying but not a hopeless situation. There is a pathway forward, and that is through authentic being.
Existentialists also highlight the importance of facing one's fears and vulnerabilities. By voluntarily confronting the things that one is afraid of, individuals can become stronger. The upper limits of this strength are unknown. By consistently facing fears and acting in alignment with one's self-defined goals, remarkable transformations can occur. People have the capacity to become stronger and better versions of themselves.
It is essential to recognize one's own role in personal suffering. By acknowledging that one is not living up to their full potential, an individual can take steps to rectify this situation. This admission may be difficult, but it also holds the promise of a better future. By changing one's perspective and actions, it is possible to create a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Imagine if many people embraced this mindset and chose to stop wasting their opportunities. Human beings have accomplished remarkable things, yet many individuals waste significant amounts of time each day. By valuing and utilizing time effectively, one can unlock their full potential. Each person has the power to transform their life and contribute to a better world.
