Guide to the Philosophy of Existentialism

Existentialism is the philosophical equivalent of a rebellious teenager, bursting onto the 20th-century European scene with a penchant for questioning everything. It’s all about grappling with the messy, unpredictable chaos that is human existence, throwing a spotlight on our desperate search for meaning in a world that often couldn’t care less. The philosophy invites you to stare into the void, wrestle with the absurd, and embrace the exhilarating yet terrifying freedom that comes with being alive.

At the heart of existentialism are themes like freedom, anxiety, death, and the sheer absurdity of it all. It's like life’s ultimate reality check, urging you to face the big questions head-on, confront the cold, hard truths of existence, and deal with that creeping existential dread that comes from realizing your own mortality.

If you're ready to dive into this deep and sometimes dark exploration of what it means to be human, there are plenty of books to guide you on your journey. Here’s a cheeky rundown of some existential heavyweights:

And just a heads up, if you buy any of these books through the links in this article, I’ll pocket a commission thanks to the Amazon Associates program.

Either/Or by Kierkegaard (1843)

Kierkegaard kicks things off with a one-two punch, presenting life through two very different lenses. He tosses around some fictional letters and essays, nudging you to ponder whether to live for pleasure or for ethics, and what those choices really mean for who you are. It's a wild ride through the labyrinth of personal identity and the quest for an authentic life.

Man’s Search for Meaning by Frankl (1946)  

Frankl survived the Holocaust, and in this sobering yet hopeful book, he insists that even in the darkest times, we can find meaning. It’s existentialism with a twist of optimism, reminding you that no matter what life throws your way, you’ve got the freedom to choose how you respond.

Being and Time by Heidegger (1927)

Heidegger’s magnum opus is like existentialism on steroids. He delves into what it means to ‘be,’ coining terms like “Dasein” (being-in-the-world), and dissecting how we relate to ourselves, others, and our world. It's dense, it’s deep, and it’s a game-changer for anyone brave enough to take the plunge.

Fear and Trembling by Kierkegaard 

Kierkegaard takes on the ultimate existential dilemma of faith, using the story of Abraham’s near-sacrifice of Isaac to explore the tension between duty, subjectivity, and divine command. It’s a head-scratcher that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about faith and ethics.

Being and Nothingness by Sartre (1943) 

Sartre dives into the murky waters of consciousness, freedom, and the ever-present conflict between existence and essence. He introduces the idea of “bad faith,” where we lie to ourselves to escape the burden of freedom. It’s existentialism at its finest—challenging, thought-provoking, and just a little bit depressing.

Existentialism is a Humanism by Sartre (1946)

In this snappy little work, Sartre defends existentialism against its critics, arguing that it’s all about embracing our freedom and taking responsibility for our lives. If you want a crash course in existentialism without all the heavy lifting, this one’s for you.

The Ethics of Ambiguity by de Beauvoir (1947)

De Beauvoir swoops in to address the ethical side of existentialism, arguing that embracing life’s ambiguity is the key to living authentically. She doesn’t shy away from gender and social issues either, making this a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of existentialism and feminism.

Existentialism and Human Emotions by Sartre (1957) 

Sartre gets personal, digging into how our emotions tie into existentialist themes like freedom and responsibility. It's a quick read but packed with insights that’ll make you question why you feel the way you do about, well, everything.

The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus 

Camus uses the myth of Sisyphus—yep, the guy condemned to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity—as a metaphor for the human condition. His conclusion? Life might be absurd, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find our own meaning in it.

The Stranger by Camus (1942)  

In this novel, Camus introduces us to Meursault, a guy who just doesn’t care. Through his detached journey, we’re forced to confront the absurdity of life, morality, and what it really means to be human. It’s existentialism wrapped in a compelling narrative.

The Trial by Kafka (1925)

Kafka takes existentialism into the bureaucratic nightmare, following Josef K. as he battles an absurd and oppressive legal system. It’s a chilling look at alienation and the powerlessness of the individual in the face of faceless institutions.

Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Nietzsche (1883)

Nietzsche’s poetic, philosophical novel is a manifesto for self-overcoming and the embrace of life’s challenges. It’s existentialism with a bit of swagger, urging us to rise above conventional morals and strive for greatness.

The Plague by Camus (1947)

Set in a town ravaged by the plague, Camus’ novel explores how people react to crisis, suffering, and the looming threat of death. It’s existentialism with a dash of epidemiology, forcing us to confront the absurdity and resilience of the human spirit.

No Exit and Other Plays by Sartre (1944)

In these plays, especially “No Exit,” Sartre brings existential themes to life on stage. It’s all about characters confronting their pasts and realizing that, often, hell is other people. It’s dark, it’s dramatic, and it’s existentialism at its most theatrical.

Invisible Man by Ellison (1952) 

Ellison tackles existentialism through the lens of race, following a nameless protagonist as he navigates a society that refuses to see him. It’s a powerful exploration of identity, invisibility, and the search for meaning in a divided world.

Crime and Punishment, Dostoyevsky (1866)

Dostoyevsky’s novel dives into the mind of Raskolnikov, a man who justifies murder with twisted logic. As he grapples with guilt and redemption, the story becomes a psychological exploration of morality and the existential weight of our choices.

The Words, Sartre (1963)  

This autobiographical work sees Sartre reflecting on his early years, his discovery of writing, and his philosophical journey. It’s an existentialist’s coming-of-age story, blending memoir with deep reflections on freedom and the role of the writer.

The Idiot, Dostoyevsky (1869)  

Follow Prince Myshkin, a man whose innocence and sincerity set him at odds with a corrupt society. Dostoyevsky explores the clash between goodness and moral decay, highlighting the existential struggles of living in a flawed world.

The Second Sex by De Beauvoir (1949)  

De Beauvoir’s groundbreaking work dissects the social constructs that confine women, challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for liberation. It’s existentialism with a feminist twist, urging us to rethink the ways society shapes our identities.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Kundera (1984)

Kundera’s novel weaves together the lives of several characters against the backdrop of political turmoil, exploring love, identity, and the fleeting nature of existence. It’s a philosophical meditation on the weight—or lack thereof—of our choices.

The Gay Science by Nietzsche (1882)  

Nietzsche breaks down traditional morality and celebrates life’s uncertainties with his trademark wit and provocativeness. It’s existentialism with a smile, challenging us to embrace the chaos of life.

The Fall by Camus (1956) 

Camus spins a tale of guilt and introspection through the confessions of Jean-Baptiste Clamence, a man who’s done some questionable things. It’s a dark dive into the human psyche, challenging us to face our own moral failings.

The Rebel by Camus (1951) 

Camus explores the philosophical underpinnings of rebellion, examining the tension between freedom and oppression. It’s existentialism with a revolutionary edge, encouraging us to question authority and fight for meaning in a chaotic world.

Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse  

Hesse’s novel follows Harry Haller, a man caught between two selves—his human side and his wild, untamed side. It’s a journey through existential angst, alienation, and the search for meaning in a world that doesn’t always make sense.

Nausea by Sartre (1938) 

This novel captures the existential crisis of Antoine Roquentin, who suddenly finds the world around him unbearably absurd. It’s a vivid portrayal of existential nausea—the realization that life might be utterly meaningless.

Notes from Underground by Dostoyevsky (1864)  

Dostoyevsky’s novella features a bitter, isolated protagonist who rejects society and revels in his own misery. It’s a raw, unsettling look at the darker side of existentialism, where freedom and suffering go hand in hand.

Irrational Man by Barrett (1958)  

Barrett provides an accessible introduction to existential philosophy, guiding readers through the major ideas and thinkers of the movement. It’s a great starting point for anyone looking to dip their toes into the existentialist waters.

The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoyevsky (1880)* 

Dostoyevsky’s epic novel tackles the big questions—God, free will, morality—through the lives of the Karamazov brothers. It’s a sprawling, complex work that delves deep into the existential dilemmas of faith and reason.

The Birth of Tragedy by Nietzsche (1872)

Nietzsche explores the tension between the Apollonian (order) and the Dionysian (chaos), laying the groundwork for his later existential ideas. It’s a philosophical deep dive into art, culture, and the human condition.

The Idiot, Dostoyevsky (1869)  

Dostoyevsky explores innocence, goodness, and the clash with a corrupt society through the character of Prince Myshkin. It’s an existential look at what it means to be a good person in a not-so-good world.

The Rebel, Camus (1951)  

Camus examines rebellion and its philosophical roots, challenging readers to think about the balance between freedom and oppression. It’s existentialism with a revolutionary twist, perfect for anyone questioning the status quo.

The Plague, Camus (1947)

Camus explores how a community responds to crisis, suffering, and the absurdity of existence during a plague outbreak. It’s a timely read that delves into existentialism in the face of disaster.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Kundera (1984)

Kundera weaves existential themes into a story of love, identity, and the fleeting nature of life. It’s a philosophical novel that explores the weight—or lightness—of our choices.

The Second Sex, De Beauvoir (1949)

De Beauvoir dissects gender roles and argues for women’s liberation in this existentialist-feminist classic. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in how existentialism intersects with social issues.

Steppenwolf, Hesse (1927)

Hesse’s novel takes readers on a journey through existential angst, alienation, and the search for meaning. It’s a story of a man caught between two selves—his human side and his wild, untamed side.

Crime and Punishment, Dostoyevsky (1866)

Follow Raskolnikov as he grapples with guilt and morality after committing a murder. It’s a psychological exploration of existential themes, where freedom and responsibility collide.

No Exit and Other Plays, Sartre (1944)

Sartre’s plays bring existential themes to life on stage, with characters confronting their pasts and realizing that hell is often other people. It’s existentialism with a dramatic flair.

Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Nietzsche (1883)

Nietzsche’s philosophical novel is a manifesto for self-overcoming and embracing life’s challenges. It’s existentialism with a bit of swagger, urging readers to rise above conventional morals.

The Stranger, Camus (1942)  

Camus’ novel introduces us to Meursault, a man detached from society and its norms. Through his journey, we’re forced to confront the absurdity of life and what it really means to be human.

Being and Nothingness, Sartre (1943) 

Sartre dives into consciousness, freedom, and the conflict between existence and essence. It’s existentialism at its most challenging and thought-provoking, tackling the big questions head-on.

Invisible Man, Ellison (1952)  

Ellison explores existential themes through the lens of race, following a nameless protagonist as he navigates a society that refuses to see him. It’s a powerful exploration of identity and invisibility.

The Trial, Kafka (1925)  

Kafka’s novel follows Josef K. as he battles an absurd and oppressive legal system. It’s a chilling look at alienation and the powerlessness of the individual in a world that doesn’t make sense.

The Fall, Camus (1956) 

Camus tells the story of Jean-Baptiste Clamence, a man grappling with guilt and introspection. It’s a dark dive into the human psyche, challenging readers to face their own moral failings.

These books are the building blocks of existentialist thought, each offering a unique perspective on the human condition. Dive in, and let the existential exploration begin. Just remember—existentialism is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.