Existentialism

Great post! I like that you mentioned Albert Camus. I'm currently reading one of his novels- The Stranger. I find that existentialism in this book not only leads to pointlessness of existence but absurdism as well.

I found it interesting how you were able to pinpoint existentialism as far back to Buddha. I have only recently studied existentialism and all the other literary movements and I still continue to do so in further detail.

Another great example of an existentialist work of literature is The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald which also ties in with modernism. Examples of existentialism are shown nearly everywhere in the book. One being when Gatsby hosts his parties, he isolates himself. He doesn't care about the party and what goes on in it because he is indifferent. The only reason he even has those parties is to show his wealth and attempt to impress Daisy. Another example is shown when he not only takes responsibility for his actions but Daisy's as well. Though it's sad how it ultimately leads to tragedy towards the end.

Thank you, Sorrowking. :)

I am yet to read 'The Stranger', but it has been recommended to be my several of my friends who also have interests in the philosophy field.

''I find that existentialism in this book not only leads to pointlessness of existence but absurdism as well.''

Existentialism isn't technically about the pointlessness of existence- to be more accurate, the first three paragraphs describe it most simply.

On the other hand, Nihilism is more similar to what you are describing. You can find my post on that at this link:

http://www.spellsofmagic.com/read_post.html?post=392259

As was said in the fourth and fifth paragraph, these two are often confused together. But Existential Nihilism is something you may want to check out.

In response to Siddhartha Buddha, it was more to do with his teachings; he has mentioned often in his teachings how the actions, choices, decisions of a person are important. (See paragraph two.)

Thank you for the book suggestion- I shall look into it.

You're welcome. :) I know that existentialism doesn't necessarily lead to pointlessness of existence but I find that it does in that book. That's why I used it as an example. I'll look more into Nihilism. Thanks you.

As always, no problem. :)

This was very detailed, Pseu. As I wrote on your Nihilism post, these types of things appeal to me greatly. It's such a curious thing to study and understand. Thank you for the post. Once again, amazing detail. :)

Thanks, Person- your praise is much appreciated. :)

Pseu, as you know, I always enjoy your posts (and always learn something new from them), and this one is no exception. As always, well done and thank you for the information.

As always, thanks Zoe. :)

I don't have anything to add on the literature discussion, other than I hated The Stranger lol. Just not my type of book.

The movie "I Heart Huckabees" is a hilarious way to see Existential and Nihilistic philosophy in action. I say hilarious in a good way, because it's a comedy- Marky Mark's Marky Markness at its finest.

Lol thanks for the suggestion, Yaeg.