Existentialist philosophy, a philosophy that developed in the 19th and 20th centuries, emphasizes personal freedom, free will, and subjective experience. Fundamental to this ideology is the notion that existence comes before essence, meaning that individuals define their own purpose and goals through their deeds. Philosophers of existentialism like Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche contend that life has no inherent meaning, and it is up to each individual to determine their own principles in a uncaring universe.

This school of thought confronts conventional ideas of preordained fate and the idea that life's purpose is pre-established. Instead, existentialism proposes that humans must confront the fundamental meaninglessness of life and embrace their liberty to decide and do. This often leads to an existential dilemma, where persons grapple with feelings of unease and bewilderment as they encounter the lack of inherent meaning. Nonetheless, it is through this dilemma that one can reach authentic existence by accepting small business philosophy accountability for one's decisions and forging personal importance.

Existentialist philosophy also delves into themes of alienation, despair, and the human experience. In a society where conventional beliefs and values are often challenged, existentialist thought provides a foundation for comprehending the nuances of being human. By accepting the absence of absolute truths, existentialist philosophy urges individuals to exist vividly and genuinely, despite the doubts and difficulties of life. It is a invitation to accept the liberty and accountability that come with being a person, and to seek meaning in an otherwise indifferent world.