authentic living
Authentic Living: A Philosophical Exploration
The concept of authentic living has its roots in existential philosophy, which emerged as a response to the alienation and meaninglessness of modern life. Early thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, and later Martin Heidegger and Jean-Paul Sartre, emphasized the importance of living in accordance with one's true self rather than succumbing to societal pressures or external expectations. Authentic living represents a commitment to self-awareness, personal responsibility, and the pursuit of meaning on one’s own terms.
At its core, authentic living involves a conscious effort to understand and embrace one’s individual existence. Kierkegaard saw this as a leap of faith, where one confronts despair and aligns their life with their deepest convictions. Heidegger described it as breaking free from das Man (the "they"), societal norms that dictate inauthentic behavior. Sartre, in contrast, emphasized the radical freedom of individuals to define their essence through choices, asserting that "existence precedes essence." These tenets emphasize living deliberately and authentically, despite the inherent challenges of human freedom and finitude.
To align one’s actions with the principles of authentic living, a person must first cultivate self-awareness. This involves deep introspection to identify core values and passions, as well as recognizing influences that lead to inauthentic behavior. Next, individuals must act with integrity, making choices that reflect their authentic self, even when these decisions conflict with societal norms or expectations. Finally, embracing responsibility is crucial; authentic living requires owning one’s choices and accepting the consequences of a life lived on one’s own terms.
In practice, authentic living demands courage and continuous effort. Yet, it offers profound rewards—a life of genuine fulfillment, personal growth, and the deep satisfaction of living in alignment with one’s true essence.
Authentic Living and Ontological Change
Authentic living is a concept closely associated with existential philosophy, particularly the works of Søren Kierkegaard, Martin Heidegger, and Jean-Paul Sartre. It refers to living a life that is true to one's own nature, values, and purpose, rather than conforming to external expectations, societal norms, or imposed identities. In the context of ontological change, authentic living involves a profound transformation in how a person understands and embodies their being.
Key Elements of Authentic Living and Ontological Change
Confronting Existential Truths
Recognition of Finitude Authentic living often begins with an awareness of life's inherent limitations, such as mortality and the finite nature of time. This confrontation with existential truths can spark ontological change, as it forces individuals to reevaluate their priorities and purpose.
Responsibility for One's Being It involves taking full responsibility for one's existence and choices, recognizing that we are the authors of our lives.
Overcoming Inauthenticity
Heidegger identifies "inauthenticity" as living according to the dictates of das Man (the "they" or societal expectations). Ontological change occurs when an individual breaks free from this inauthentic mode of being and starts making decisions based on their own authentic understanding of existence.
This transition is marked by a shift in one's ontological framework, where the individual stops being a passive participant in life and becomes an active, self-aware agent.
Finding Meaning and Purpose
Authentic living requires individuals to define their own meaning and purpose, rather than adopting predefined roles or narratives. This redefinition of one's essence represents an ontological change, as it alters the very foundation of their being.
Sartre’s idea of existence precedes essence emphasizes that we create our essence through authentic choices, reinforcing the ontological transformation involved.
Living in Alignment with One’s True Self
Authenticity implies living in harmony with one’s deepest values and convictions. Ontological change here involves shedding false or imposed identities and embracing one’s true nature, leading to a more integrated and genuine existence.
Practical Examples of Ontological Change Leading to Authentic Living
A Career Shift A person working in a high-paying but unfulfilling job may experience an ontological change when they realize that their true calling lies in creative or humanitarian work. This shift enables them to live authentically, aligned with their inner values.
Overcoming a Crisis An individual might undergo ontological change after a life-altering event, such as the loss of a loved one, leading to a renewed commitment to live authentically and cherish meaningful relationships.
Spiritual Awakening: A profound spiritual experience might lead someone to abandon superficial pursuits and instead live in accordance with a higher sense of purpose or divine calling.
In sum, authentic living is deeply tied to ontological change because it reflects a transformation in the very essence of how a person understands, engages with, and expresses their being. This shift often requires courage, introspection, and a willingness to face uncomfortable truths, but it ultimately leads to a richer and more meaningful existence.
Søren Kierkegaard
Kierkegaard introduced the idea of authentic living through his concept of the "individual's subjective truth." He argued that authentic existence requires a "leap of faith," where one confronts the despair of living an inauthentic life rooted in external conformity or societal expectations. In works like The Sickness Unto Death, Kierkegaard described authenticity as the process of becoming a "self" by embracing one's relationship with God and personal responsibility. For Kierkegaard, authentic living is essential to overcome existential despair, as it leads to spiritual fulfillment and allows individuals to live genuinely, grounded in faith and personal conviction.
Martin Heidegger
Heidegger explored authentic living in Being and Time, where he contrasted "authentic" and "inauthentic" modes of existence. Authenticity arises when individuals confront their own "Being-towards-death," acknowledging their finitude and the urgency to live purposefully. By breaking free from das Man (the "they"), or the societal norms that dictate inauthentic behavior, a person can live authentically, making choices based on their own understanding of existence. Heidegger viewed authentic living as crucial for achieving a meaningful life, as it allows individuals to fully engage with their own being and take ownership of their existential potential.
Jean-Paul Sartre
Sartre’s existentialism, particularly in Being and Nothingness, emphasizes the importance of living authentically by embracing human freedom and rejecting "bad faith" (self-deception). For Sartre, authentic living involves acknowledging that "existence precedes essence," meaning that individuals are not defined by predetermined roles but must create their own essence through free choices. Inauthenticity occurs when people conform to societal roles or deny their freedom. Sartre argued that authenticity is vital for realizing one's potential, as it requires individuals to confront their freedom, take responsibility for their actions, and live in alignment with their chosen values and aspirations.
Here are ten contemporary thinkers who explore themes related to "authentic living" in their work:
These individuals contribute significantly to contemporary discussions on authentic living, each offering unique perspectives that encourage self-examination and genuine existence.
Agnes Callard: A philosopher at the University of Chicago, Callard examines the relevance of Socratic thinking to modern life, advocating for a thoughtful and examined existence.
Laurie A. Paul: A professor at Yale University, Paul delves into transformative experiences and how they reshape our understanding of ourselves, emphasizing the importance of self-examination in authentic living.
Ryan Holiday: A modern Stoic author, Holiday promotes principles of self-control, resilience, and focusing on what we can control, aligning with the pursuit of authenticity in daily life.
Stephen West: Host of the "Philosophize This" podcast, West makes philosophical concepts accessible, encouraging listeners to reflect on their lives and strive for authenticity.
Emmy van Deurzen: An existential therapist, van Deurzen integrates existential philosophy into psychotherapy, guiding individuals toward authentic living by confronting existential concerns.
Irvin D. Yalom: A psychiatrist and author, Yalom incorporates existential themes into his therapeutic practice, focusing on the human condition and the quest for authentic existence.
Noam Chomsky: A linguist and philosopher, Chomsky's critiques of societal structures encourage individuals to question authority and seek authentic understanding.
Slavoj Žižek: A contemporary philosopher, Žižek explores ideology and its impact on personal freedom, urging a pursuit of authenticity beyond societal constraints.
Viktor Frankl: Although he passed away in 1997, Frankl's work on finding meaning in life continues to influence contemporary discussions on authentic living.
Rollo May: An existential psychologist, May's writings delve into the human experience, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in personal development.
Comparing Western Views and Eastern Views
Authentic living refers to the concept of living a genuine, true-to-oneself life, unencumbered by societal expectations, conditioning, or external pressures. From a Western philosophical perspective, authentic living is often associated with existentialism and the ideas of philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Martin Heidegger.
Sartre, in particular, emphasized the concept of "being-for-itself," which posits that human beings have the freedom to choose their own path in life and create their own meaning. Authentic living, in this sense, means embracing this freedom and taking responsibility for one's choices, rather than conforming to external norms or expectations. Heidegger, on the other hand, introduced the concept of "Being-in-the-world," which highlights the fundamental relationship between human existence and the world around us. Authentic living, from this perspective, involves acknowledging and accepting this relationship, and living in accordance with one's own unique existence.
In contrast, the Buddhist perspective on authentic living is rooted in the concept of "suchness" (tathata) or "reality-as-it-is." According to Buddhist teachings, authentic living involves recognizing and embracing the impermanent, ephemeral nature of all phenomena, including the self. This means letting go of attachments, aversions, and ego-identification, and instead, cultivating a sense of mindfulness, clarity, and awareness. In Buddhist philosophy, authentic living is not about creating a self or achieving a specific state, but rather about embracing the present moment, just as it is.
One key difference between the Western and Buddhist perspectives on authentic living is the concept of the self. In Western philosophy, the self is often seen as a fixed, essential entity, whereas in Buddhism, the self is viewed as a fluid, impermanent construct. Buddhist teachings emphasize the concept of "anatman" or "no-self," which suggests that the self is not a fixed, independent entity, but rather a collection of constantly changing physical and mental.