existentialism

Existentialism is a philosophy emphasizing that individuals define their own meaning and essence through choices and actions. It holds that existence precedes essence and that, in an indifferent universe, personal responsibility and authenticity are paramount. Thinkers like Sartre, Camus, and de Beauvoir explore themes of freedom, angst, and the burden of choice in crafting one’s life narrative.

Albert Camus did not offer a systematic theory of gender relations; rather, his work illuminates a human condition in which men and women stand equal before the absurdity of existence. For him, any authentic relationship—regardless of gender—must involve mutual recognition and freedom, free from socially imposed roles. In this view, true connection emerges when both individuals confront life's inherent meaninglessness and choose to live genuinely despite it. Regarding time, Camus (and existentialist thinking generally) regards it not as a fixed, linear backdrop but as an ongoing, lived experience. Time is the arena in which each moment carries the weight of choice and the potential for authentic self-creation. Its fleeting nature underscores the urgency of embracing freedom and responsibility—reminding us that meaning is formed in the act of living, in spite of our existential predicament.