FREE ESSAY ON THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE EXISTENTIALIST

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE EXISTENTIALIST

The Good, the Bad and the Existentialist
The beliefs of an existentialist say that the choices we make throughout our lives all
dictate who we are. As viewed by well known existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre,
"The inescapable condition of human life is the requirement of choosing something and
accepting the responsibility for the consequences." Existentialism aside, it is widely
accepted that we, as humans, live our own lives and are free to make decisions for
ourselves. Whether or not we will have to "pay" the consequences for our actions is
disputed within religions as well as various groups of people. Sartre once said that
existentialists are the most dedicated optimists. Even though the beliefs of an
existentialist are both contended and accepted by many, their beliefs don't necessarily
set them apart as the most optimistic. 
Religion and philosophy have never been able to successfully combine their ideas to form
one great truth. Religion believes to have teachings direct from the mouth of God and
claim to have the truth. Separated by denominations yet untied within, they stand strong
with the faith that their beliefs will enable them to live in heaven after this life.
Philosophers, like religions, have their own beliefs that vary as well as share ideas
with other philosophers. When the beliefs overlap, strong assertions come forth and ideas
clash. "In his early philosophic work, Being and Nothingness, Sartre conceived humans as
beings who create their own world by rebelling against authority and by accepting
personal responsibility for their actions, unaided by society, traditional morality, or
religious faith" (http://www.connect.net/ron/sartre.html). What is so optimistic about
that? To what end do you live if society, morality and religion do not play a part of
your daily decisions? It might be argued that having decided to live for himself and not
a "greater good" he is more noble. Not being pushed by the fear or reward of a god, he
lives for his own self-worth and gratification. All the while knowing and accepting the
consequences.
Some religions believe that we are judged for our sins. They teach that as we live we are
free to choose. What we choose determines what blessings we receive in life as well as
the afterlife. Other religions have the teachings and beliefs that no matter what we do
in life, as long as we accept Christ as our Savior, we are saved to live in heaven.
Having this belief, they are then able to live how they wish with no consequences to
prohibit them. Sartre said the opposite, "there is no abstract nature that one is
destined to fill. Instead, each of us simply is in the world; what we will be is then
entirely up to us. Being human just means having the capacity to create one's own essence
in time . . . But my exercise of this capacity inevitably makes me totally responsible
for the life I choose. Since I could always have chosen some other path in life, the one
I follow is my own" (http://www.philosophypages.com/hy/7e.htm#free). Having accepted
responsibility for his actions, he had the possibility of freedom from pain and
suffering. By living his life in this way he knew that for every action there was a
reaction. This enabled him to make decisions accordingly.
As seen from my viewpoint as a Latter-day Saint and partial understanding of Sartre's
ideas, there is much to be argued and much to be agreed upon. Sartre said that he chose
his path in life and he claims responsibility. I feel this to be true as it is also
taught within the church. We believe that we are free to choose the paths we take in
life. Yet, not mentioned by Sartre, we also believe that there is one correct path that
is true and will lead us to eternal life with Heavenly Father. This path is that of Jesus
Christ. ". . . no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 3:17). Like Sartre, we too
believe that our actions bring consequences. The only difference is that not only will we
feel the effects of our decisions here on earth but the hereafter as well. Certainly
Sartre was quite optimistic in his views. However, his blanketing statement of all
existentialists being the most optimistic is not right. Sartre's strong beliefs and
teachings should be studied by many but not taken as truths. According to the church it
is up to each individual to find the truth for himself.