I Don’t Understand Existential
Rule number one for a writer is never to use a misunderstood word. For example, “The comfortable chair felt deleterious.” Deleterious obviously means nice or pleasant. Right? The correct definition of “deleterious” is harmful, often subtly or unexpectedly. Knowledgeable readers would certainly spot this obvious error and not be pleased with the writer.
When I first learned about existentialism in high school, I quickly understood its sophisticated meaning and incorporated this new word into my vocabulary. In reality, I had no idea what that word meant, leading to misunderstandings and bad grades. This flawed usage was an important life lesson.
Wikipedia defines existential as: “The belief that philosophical thinking begins with the human subject—not merely the thinking subject, but the acting, feeling, living human individual. While the predominant value of existentialist thought is commonly acknowledged to be freedom, its primary virtue is authenticity. In the existentialist’s view, the individual’s starting point is characterized by what has been called ‘the existential attitude,’ or a sense of disorientation, confusion, or dread in the face of a meaningless or absurd world.”
I often find this word in literature and technical articles. “He has an existential attitude.” “A great existential work.” This morning, the local newscaster said, “A clear case of an existential crime.”
Yet, even after reading the definition and my life experiences, I do not know what this word means. Is it describing a carefree philosophy or a spirited lifestyle? Is it simply a description of many obvious traits in the modern age? If forced to answer, I define this word as “far out or reserved.” In my mind, I see an existential person as a 1960s hippy going to college to be a scientist. An existential situation is visiting a planetarium to watch a high-tech laser show set to classical music. The last glimmer of hope in a bygone age. In short, existential is the contrast between old and new. Of course, my definition differs significantly from Wikipedia.
While writing this article, I searched for better definitions and usages. There were many excellent articles, yet even trusted sources could not fully capture the meaning. There were many contradictions, and I even found solid definitions that radically differed from the Wikipedia page.
Well, perhaps that is the point. Somebody invented a confusing word and sat back to watch people misusing it. Is that out of the question? A prank word? It would not be the first time. Or does everybody else understand the word, and I am the chump who has not figured it out? That would also not be the first time.
I continue not to speak or write this word. It is off-limits, and I suspect I will never understand the definition. Is that bad? I guess so. Should I apply more effort to this matter? I could, but what would be the point? In that spirit, this is an existential ending. (Whatever that means.)
You’re the best -Bill
November 14, 2018 Updated October 21, 2023
When I first learned about existentialism in high school, I quickly understood its sophisticated meaning and incorporated this new word into my vocabulary. In reality, I had no idea what that word meant, leading to misunderstandings and bad grades. This flawed usage was an important life lesson.
Wikipedia defines existential as: “The belief that philosophical thinking begins with the human subject—not merely the thinking subject, but the acting, feeling, living human individual. While the predominant value of existentialist thought is commonly acknowledged to be freedom, its primary virtue is authenticity. In the existentialist’s view, the individual’s starting point is characterized by what has been called ‘the existential attitude,’ or a sense of disorientation, confusion, or dread in the face of a meaningless or absurd world.”
I often find this word in literature and technical articles. “He has an existential attitude.” “A great existential work.” This morning, the local newscaster said, “A clear case of an existential crime.”
Yet, even after reading the definition and my life experiences, I do not know what this word means. Is it describing a carefree philosophy or a spirited lifestyle? Is it simply a description of many obvious traits in the modern age? If forced to answer, I define this word as “far out or reserved.” In my mind, I see an existential person as a 1960s hippy going to college to be a scientist. An existential situation is visiting a planetarium to watch a high-tech laser show set to classical music. The last glimmer of hope in a bygone age. In short, existential is the contrast between old and new. Of course, my definition differs significantly from Wikipedia.
While writing this article, I searched for better definitions and usages. There were many excellent articles, yet even trusted sources could not fully capture the meaning. There were many contradictions, and I even found solid definitions that radically differed from the Wikipedia page.
Well, perhaps that is the point. Somebody invented a confusing word and sat back to watch people misusing it. Is that out of the question? A prank word? It would not be the first time. Or does everybody else understand the word, and I am the chump who has not figured it out? That would also not be the first time.
I continue not to speak or write this word. It is off-limits, and I suspect I will never understand the definition. Is that bad? I guess so. Should I apply more effort to this matter? I could, but what would be the point? In that spirit, this is an existential ending. (Whatever that means.)
You’re the best -Bill
November 14, 2018 Updated October 21, 2023
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