Search

What makes a good life? Existentialists believed we should embrace freedom and authenticity

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/oscar-davis-876589">Oscar Davis</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> How do we live good, fulfilling lives? Aristotle first took on this question in his <a href="https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aristotle-ethics/">Nicomachean Ethics</a> – arguably the first time anyone in Western intellectual history had focused on the subject as a standalone question. He formulated a teleological response to the question of how we ought to live. Aristotle proposed, in other words, an answer grounded in an investigation of our purpose or ends (telos) as a species. Our purpose, he argued, can be uncovered through a study of our essence – the fundamental features of what it means to be human. <h2>Ends and essences</h2> “Every skill and every inquiry, and similarly every action and rational choice, is thought to aim at some good;” Aristotle states, “and so the good has been aptly described as that at which everything aims.” To understand what is good, and therefore what one must do to achieve the good, we must first understand what kinds of things we are. This will allow us to determine what a good or a bad function actually is. For Aristotle, this is a generally applicable truth. Take a knife, for example. We must first understand what a knife is in order to determine what would constitute its proper function. The essence of a knife is that it cuts; that is its purpose. We can thus make the claim that a blunt knife is a bad knife – if it does not cut well, it is failing in an important sense to properly fulfil its function. This is how essence relates to function, and how fulfilling that function entails a kind of goodness for the thing in question. Of course, determining the function of a knife or a hammer is much easier than determining the function of Homo sapiens, and therefore what good, fulfilling lives might involve for us as a species. Aristotle argues that our function must be more than growth, nutrition and reproduction, as plants are also capable of this. Our function must also be more than perception, as non-human animals are capable of this. He thus proposes that our essence – what makes us unique – is that humans are capable of reasoning. What a good, flourishing human life involves, therefore, is “some kind of practical life of that part that has reason”. This is the starting point of Aristotle’s ethics. We must learn to reason well and develop practical wisdom and, in applying this reason to our decisions and judgements, we must learn to find the right balance between the excess and deficiency of virtue. It is only by living a life of “virtuous activity in accordance with reason”, a life in which we flourish and fulfil the functions that flow from a deep understanding of and appreciation for what defines us, that we can achieve eudaimonia – the highest human good. <h2>Existence precedes essence</h2> Aristotle’s answer was so influential that it shaped the development of Western values for millennia. Thanks to philosophers and theologians such as <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Thomas-Aquinas">Thomas Aquinas</a>, his enduring influence can be traced through the medieval period to the Renaissance and on to the Enlightenment. During the Enlightenment, the dominant philosophical and religious traditions, which included Aristotle’s work, were reexamined in light of new Western principles of thought. Beginning in the 18th century, the Enlightenment era saw the birth of modern science, and with it the adoption of the principle nullius in verba – literally, “take nobody’s word for it” – which became the motto of the <a href="https://royalsociety.org/about-us/history/">Royal Society</a>. There was a corresponding proliferation of secular approaches to understanding the nature of reality and, by extension, the way we ought to live our lives. One of the most influential of these secular philosophies was existentialism. In the 20th century, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jean-Paul-Sartre">Jean-Paul Sartre</a>, a key figure in existentialism, took up the challenge of thinking about the meaning of life without recourse to theology. Sartre argued that Aristotle, and those who followed in Aristotle’s footsteps, had it all back-to-front. <figure class="align-right zoomable"><figcaption></figcaption></figure> Existentialists see us as going about our lives making seemingly endless choices. We choose what we wear, what we say, what careers we follow, what we believe. All of these choices make up who we are. Sartre summed up this principle in the formula “existence precedes essence”. The existentialists teach us that we are completely free to invent ourselves, and therefore completely responsible for the identities we choose to adopt. “The first effect of existentialism,” Sartre wrote in his 1946 essay <a href="https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/sartre/works/exist/sartre.htm">Existentialism is a Humanism</a>, “is that it puts every man in possession of himself as he is, and places the entire responsibility for his existence squarely upon his own shoulders.” Crucial to living an authentic life, the existentialists would say, is recognising that we desire freedom above everything else. They maintain we ought never to deny the fact we are fundamentally free. But they also acknowledge we have so much choice about what we can be and what we can do that it is a source of anguish. This anguish is a felt sense of our profound responsibility. The existentialists shed light on an important phenomenon: we all convince ourselves, at some point and to some extent, that we are “bound by external circumstances” in order to escape the anguish of our inescapable freedom. Believing we possess a predefined essence is one such external circumstance. But the existentialists provide a range of other psychologically revealing examples. Sartre tells a story of watching a waiter in a cafe in Paris. He observes that the waiter moves a little too precisely, a little too quickly, and seems a little too eager to impress. Sartre believes the waiter’s exaggeration of waiter-hood is an act – that the waiter is deceiving himself into being a waiter. In doing so, argues Sartre, the waiter denies his authentic self. He has opted instead to assume the identity of something other than a free and autonomous being. His act reveals he is denying his own freedom, and ultimately his own humanity. Sartre calls this condition “bad faith”. <h2>An authentic life</h2> Contrary to Aristotle’s conception of eudaimonia, the existentialists regard acting authentically as the highest good. This means never acting in such a way that denies we are free. When we make a choice, that choice must be fully ours. We have no essence; we are nothing but what we make for ourselves. One day, Sartre was visited by a pupil, who sought his advice about whether he should join the French forces and avenge his brother’s death, or stay at home and provide vital support for his mother. Sartre believed the history of moral philosophy was of no help in this situation. “You are free, therefore choose,” he replied to the pupil – “that is to say, invent”. The only choice the pupil could make was one that was authentically his own. We all have feelings and questions about the meaning and purpose of our lives, and it is not as simple as picking a side between the Aristotelians, the existentialists, or any of the other moral traditions. In his essay, <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/3600/3600-h/3600-h.htm#link2HCH0019">That to Study Philosophy is to Learn to Die</a> (1580), Michel de Montaigne finds what is perhaps an ideal middle ground. He proposes “the premeditation of death is the premeditation of liberty” and that “he who has learnt to die has forgot what it is to be a slave”. In his typical style of jest, Montaigne concludes: “I want death to take me planting cabbages, but without any careful thought of him, and much less of my garden’s not being finished.” Perhaps Aristotle and the existentialists could agree that it is just in thinking about these matters – purposes, freedom, authenticity, mortality – that we overcome the silence of never understanding ourselves. To study philosophy is, in this sense, to learn how to live.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/204364/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/oscar-davis-876589">Oscar Davis</a>, Indigenous Fellow - Assistant Professor in Philosophy and History, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-makes-a-good-life-existentialists-believed-we-should-embrace-freedom-and-authenticity-204364">original article</a>.

Caring

Embracing unapologetic authenticity: Empowering women in midlife and beyond to be their true selves

In recent nationally representative research conducted by <a href="https://www.connectedwomen.net/">Connected Women</a>, a concerning trend emerged among women over the age of 50, with the majority of respondents revealing that a lack of confidence was holding them back from forming new friendships (58%). Even more salient, was that nearly a third (32%) expressed a desire for more meaningful connections. Findings like this underscore the need for a new way of thinking amongst this group, and the urgent need for women to unapologetically embrace authenticity, be themselves, and put themselves, their passions, and their desires, first. The lack of confidence to step out into the world is not only hindering their ability to form connections, but to accept who they are as individuals. So, ladies, picture this: You've finally reached midlife, and while the years have brought wisdom and experience, you also find yourself grappling with self-doubt and societal expectations. It's time to shed the cloak of self-consciousness and embrace what makes you unique. A new way of thinking Embracing unapologetic authenticity means learning to appreciate yourself for who you are - a multifaceted individual shaped by your own experiences, with your own interests and your own opinions. It's about freeing yourself from the constraints of societal norms and comparisons and recognising that you deserve to take up space and shine as your true self. In my work as the founder of Connected Women, I am fortunate to have encountered thousands of women, and what I consistently observe is that the happiest and most fulfilled are the ones who boldly embrace their authentic selves and put themselves out there to try new things and connect with new people. They truly radiate a captivating energy that lights up any room, and people naturally gravitate towards them. I, too, find myself drawn to their presence. But how do you become unapologetically authentic when for so many years, you’ve likely put others needs first or shied away from pursuing things that you love? Show yourself some love Absolutely, the first step to embracing your most authentic self is to show yourself some love – as hard as that may be! Midlife presents an ideal opportunity to prioritise self-care and rekindle passions you may have lost while juggling careers, marriages, children, and aging parents. Pursuing personal growth and fulfilment becomes a transformative journey as you rediscover the flames that once ignited your soul. This could be something as simple as a weekly art class, joining the local choir, or opting for a tennis club. It’s about finding or reconnecting with the things that bring you joy, showing up and being truly present with the experience. The newfound confidence and authenticity you will find from participating in these joyous experiences will undoubtedly radiate, attracting like-minded souls through these shared experiences who appreciate you for who you are. Through these genuine connections, a supportive environment is fostered, allowing everyone to flourish. Surround yourself with positivity The journey to authenticity will be an easier ‘ride’ if you are surrounded by like-minded people. Should you find yourself wanting more from your friendships, I’d encourage you to seek out groups like Connected Women, where you have the space and opportunity to truly find people who share your world views and encourage you to be true to yourself and shine bright! Break free! The journey to unapologetic authenticity is absolutely one of empowerment and self-discovery. As women in midlife, we must challenge limiting beliefs that we are undeserving of happiness and instead remember our right to take up space and shine! Together, lets create a space where every woman feels empowered to embrace her true self, regardless of age or expectations. It's absolutely time to step into the spotlight, be unapologetically authentic, and let your radiance light up the world. You deserve it! <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2023/08/Phoebe-headshot-EDITED.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Phoebe Adams is the founder of Connected Women, an organisation providing a community for women over 50 to connect with each other and build meaningful friendships. With a rapidly growing community in Perth, Sydney, Wollongong, and Melbourne, Connected Women provides a safe and welcoming space for women to come together and share experiences. To learn more about the organisation and how you can get involved, visit <a href="https://www.connectedwomen.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">connectedwomen.net</a>. Image credits: Getty Images

Beauty & Style

Michael Jackson songs pulled from Youtube over authenticity claims

Three songs from Michael Jackson’s posthumous 2010 album Michael have been pulled from online streaming services amid allegations the king of pop didn’t actually sing them. The songs in question - Monster, Breaking News, and Keep Your Head Up - are no longer available to buy or stream on global music services. The tracks have been the subject of an ongoing lawsuit against Sony Music and Jackson’s estate, alleging that Jackson did not sing them. In 2014, a fan of the late musician filed a lawsuit against Sony and the estate over the three songs for violation of consumer laws, unfair competition and fraud. Sony and the estate were cleared from the case in 2018 and its appeal in 2020, and the suit is currently in the California Supreme Court. Prior to the album’s release, doubts were raised by Jackson’s family members whether songs were performed by the Grammy-winner. According to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/nov/08/new-michael-jackson-songs">The Guardian</a>, his mother Katherine claimed in 2010 that “some of the tracks on the album are fake”. The musician’s sister, LaToya, told <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2010/11/07/la-toya-jackson-michael-jackson-song-breaking-news-sony/">TMZ</a>, “It doesn’t sound like him”. Michael’s nephew Taryll tweeted at the time, “I KNOW my Uncle’s voice, and something’s seriously wrong when you have immediate FAMILY saying it’s not him.” Despite the allegations, a spokesperson from Jackson’s website recently said the tracks being pulled “had nothing to do with their authenticity”. “The Estate and Sony Music believe the continuing conversation about the tracks is distracting the fan community and casual Michael Jackson listeners from focusing their attention where it should be — on Michael’s legendary and deep music catalog [sic],” the Jackson website spokesperson said. Image credits: Getty Images

Music

Authentic beef noodle pho

A true Vietnamese classic! Pho is a well-balanced meal with plenty of broth to ward off dehydration in the hot, humid summer months, and to warm body and soul in the cool and drizzly winters. Hanoians like to slurp the noodles first so they don’t become soft and mushy from sitting in the broth too long. Serves: Six Ingredients: <ul> <li>200g scotch fillet, thinly sliced</li> <li>1 tablespoon fish sauce, plus extra to taste</li> <li>600g fresh pho noodles</li> <li>1/2 onion, thinly sliced</li> <li>4 spring onions (scallions), 2 thinly sliced lengthways, and 2 cut into rings</li> <li>1 small handful coriander (cilantro) leaves</li> <li>1 small handful basil</li> <li>1 lemon, cut into 6 wedges</li> <li>1 long red chilli, sliced</li> </ul> For the broth <ul> <li>2kg beef bones</li> <li>6 red Asian shallots, left whole</li> <li>1.5cm knob fresh ginger, unpeeled, cut into chunks</li> <li>1 pig’s trotter, sawn in half by your butcher</li> <li>500g beef brisket</li> <li>1 star anise</li> <li>4cm piece of cassia bark, or</li> <li>1 cinnamon stick</li> <li>1 teaspoon salt</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the beef bones on a baking tray and roast for 20 minutes. Turn the bones over and roast for a further 20 minutes.</li> <li>Meanwhile, chargrill the whole unpeeled shallots and ginger on a barbecue or gas burner over medium heat for five minutes, until they are fragrant and the skin is lightly charred.</li> <li>Leave to cool slightly.</li> <li>Using your fingers, flake off the thin outer skin.</li> <li>Place the roasted bones in a large saucepan with the trotter.</li> <li>Cover with cold water and slowly bring to a simmer, skimming off any froth. Add the chargrilled shallots, ginger, brisket, spices and salt.</li> <li>Simmer gently for 30 minutes, taking care not to boil the stock.</li> <li>Remove and reserve the brisket, then simmer the stock for a further four hours.</li> <li>Strain the stock and discard the solids.</li> <li>When ready to serve, marinate the scotch fillet in the fish sauce and set aside. Slice the brisket and set aside. Ensure the broth is at simmering point.</li> <li>Drop the noodles into a pan of boiling water and stir with a chopstick for 20 seconds.</li> <li>Drain and divide among six bowls. Top with the meats, onion, spring onion and herbs. Ladle the hot broth over. Serve with lemon, chilli and extra fish sauce.</li> </ol> Ah, there’s nothing quite like pho. How do you prefer it? <img width="184" height="210" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/38559/made-in-vietnam-cover_184x210.jpg" alt="Made -in -Vietnam -Cover (2)" style="float: right;"/> This is an edited extract from Made in Vietnam by Tracey Lister & Andrews Pohl published by Hardie Grant Books RRP $39.99 and is available in stores national. Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 175 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now</a>.

Food & Wine

Our Partners

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Games