Existentialism is largely summed up in the quote...

Existentialism is largely summed up in the quote â€Å"existence precedes essence.† Life is devoid of inherent meaning aside from the human existence. Put simply, you are put on earth without any idea of what the meaning of your life is, it is up to you to create meaning for your life and each individual may find a different meaning. What are the main arguments against existentialism? Why does the preservation of life matter to us in a world devoid of meaning? In this essay I will summarize what existentialism is and attempt to provide an argument against it. The philosopher Sartre once said â€Å"existence precedes essence†. This quote sums up the belief that we are born into the world with no real purpose and that it is the goal of our life to†¦show more content†¦The purpose of will is therefore to achieve greater freedom than it has at any given time by controlling its environment to the extent that it can to satisfy its own desires. In the existential world the purpose of free will is for us to find meaning for our life. Throughout our lives we strive for meaning. I believe that the meaning of life is to carry on existence. Summed up by John Lach in a quote from his book In Love with Life: Reflections on the Joy of Living and Why We Hate to Die: â€Å"When the time comes [to die], we must surround ourselves with life. In a bustling hospital or a loving home, let everyone get on with their [sic] activities. To die in the midst of energy is not to die at all, but to transfer ones life and hopes to those who carry on. The continuity of our lives and our personalities makes the death of any one individual an event of little moment: the great celebration of existence goes on.† (p. 123) Many believe that the meaning of life is to strive for a purpose. Why must there be a purpose to life? We could view our existence as the result of evolution and ignore theological explanations. If there is a purpose to life, why must it be to take morally good actions? Why not simply pursue your own pleasures, wherever you find them, because it feels nice? Morality is how best to interact with other conscious creatures whom you could harm or help. While its all well and noble for you to make the pleasure of others your own purpose in life,