Existentialist philosophy, a school of thought that emerged in the 19th-20th century period, emphasizes individual freedom, free will, and personal experience. Fundamental to this philosophy is the idea that being precedes essence, meaning that individuals determine their own significance and purpose through their actions. Philosophers of existentialism like Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche contend that life lacks inherent meaning, and it is up to each one to create their own values in a apparently indifferent world.

This ideology challenges traditional notions of determinism and the concept that life's purpose is predetermined. Conversely, existentialist philosophy posits that people must confront the fundamental irrationality of life and accept their liberty to make choices and take action. This often causes an existential conflict, where persons investment philosophy wrestle with feelings of anxiety and disorientation as they confront the lack of inherent meaning. Nevertheless, it is through this crisis that one can achieve authentic existence by accepting responsibility for one's choices and creating personal significance.

Existentialism also examines ideas of estrangement, desperation, and the human experience. In a society where conventional beliefs and beliefs are often questioned, existentialism provides a foundation for comprehending the nuances of being human. By accepting the lack of universal truths, existentialist philosophy urges individuals to live passionately and truly, despite the doubts and difficulties of life. It is a invitation to embrace the freedom and duty that come with being an individual, and to find significance in an otherwise unfeeling universe.