First Principle of Existentialism “Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself” (3). There is no human nature Human beings are projects that propel themselves toward a future that they help create A human being is responsible for the entirety of his or her existence

Living Authentically – Positivity in a Sea of Seeming Depression A focus of existentialist literature Well, not all existentialist literature Most focuses on the despair and anguish experienced by humans More positive in nature and tone The ability of humans to create own meaning Claim meaning in an absurd world Consciousness Freedom!

Albert Camus 1913-1960 French novelist, journalist, and playwright Born in Algiers (North Africa) Part of the French Resistance Wrote The Stranger and The Plague Absurdity of man’s life Meaninglessness of death Fight against evil, suffering, and death

Won Nobel Prize for Literature Wasn’t crazy about it, but didn’t pass it up Highest honor in the world in writing Killed in car accident Height of his literary career

Camus believed that we should realize that life is meaningless and nevertheless keep living. If we are able to do this, we may be considered “absurd heroes.” Absurd heroes see life as a constant struggle, without hope. If happiness is real, we must find it without hope, faith, or anything besides immediate experience.

The Scream – Edvard Munch Which idea of existentialism might this famous painting represent?

“I was walking along a path with two friends—the sun was setting—suddenly the sky turned blood red—I paused, feeling exhausted, and leaned on the fence—there was blood and tongues of fire above the blue-black fjord and the city—my friends walked on, and I stood there trembling with anxiety—and I sensed an infinite scream passing through nature.” -Munch’s inspiration for the painting as expressed in his diary headed Nice 22.01.1892

Monk by the Sea – Caspar David Friedrich How can you relate this painting to existentialist ideas?