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Remarks on Existentialism: The Will to Conform

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Remarks On Existentialism: The Will to Conform

by Marvin R. Goldfried

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	142 KB
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Print length	:	74 pages

Existentialism is often contrasted with other philosophical movements that emphasize the individual, such as humanism and individualism. However, existentialism shares some common ground with these movements, particularly in its emphasis on the importance of freedom and authenticity. In this essay, I will argue that the existentialist emphasis on the will to conform is not incompatible with the existentialist emphasis on freedom and authenticity.

The Will to Conform

The will to conform is a fundamental aspect of human nature. We are all born into a social world, and we are all influenced by the expectations of others. As we grow up, we learn to conform to the norms and values of our society in order to fit in. This process of socialization is essential for our survival and well-being. It allows us to learn the skills and knowledge that we need to function in society, and it helps us to form relationships with others.

However, the will to conform can also be a source of anxiety and alienation. When we conform to the expectations of others, we may feel like we are sacrificing our own individuality. We may feel like we are not being true to ourselves. This can lead to feelings of inauthenticity and emptiness.

Existentialism and the Will to Conform

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes the importance of freedom and authenticity. Existentialists believe that we are all responsible for our own choices, and that we should live our lives in accordance with our own values. This emphasis on freedom and authenticity might seem to be incompatible with the existentialist emphasis on the will to conform. After all, if we are truly free, then why would we want to conform to the expectations of others?

However, existentialists argue that the will to conform is not incompatible with freedom and authenticity. They argue that the will to conform is simply a part of human nature. We are all born into a social world, and we are all influenced by the expectations of others. It is impossible to completely escape the influence of others, and it is not always desirable to do so. The key is to find a balance between the will to conform and the desire for freedom and authenticity.

Existentialists believe that we should not simply conform to the expectations of others. We should critically examine these expectations, and we should only conform to them if they align with our own values. We should also be willing to challenge the expectations of others, and to create our own path in life.

The Importance of Authenticity

Authenticity is one of the most important values in existentialism. Existentialists believe that we should live our lives in accordance with our own values, and that we should not be afraid to be ourselves. This does not mean that we should always do whatever we want. It does mean that we should be true to ourselves, and that we should not let the expectations of others dictate our choices.

The will to conform can be a threat to authenticity. When we conform to the expectations of others, we may feel like we are sacrificing our own individuality. We may feel like we are not being true to ourselves. This can lead to feelings of inauthenticity and emptiness.

However, it is important to remember that the will to conform is not always a bad thing. It can be a positive force in our lives, helping us to learn the skills and knowledge that we need to function in society, and helping us to form relationships with others. The key is to find a balance between the will to conform and the desire for freedom and authenticity.

In this essay, I have argued that the existentialist emphasis on the will to conform is not incompatible with the existentialist emphasis on freedom and authenticity. I have argued that the will to conform is simply a part of human nature, and that it is not always desirable to escape from its influence. The key is to find a balance between the will to conform and the desire for freedom and authenticity. We should critically examine the expectations of others, and we should only conform to them if they align with our own values. We should also be willing to challenge the expectations of others, and to create our own path in life.

Authenticity is one of the most important values in existentialism. We should live our lives in accordance with our own values, and we should not be afraid to be ourselves. This does not mean that we should always do whatever we want. It does mean that we should be true to ourselves, and that we should not let the expectations of others dictate our choices.

Remarks On Existentialism: The Will to Conform

by Marvin R. Goldfried

5 out of 5