All the plants and animals
that share this planet with us
have biologically-given natures and destinies.
Each of them will follow the pattern appropriate
for its species,
live out its natural life-span, and become
humus in the earth.
Of all life on this planet,
only we humans have the capacity
to shape our lives around our own purposes.
(What will I live for?)
Altho as free human persons
we can choose our own destinies,
all of us have been raised within particular
human cultures,
which have given us detailed plans-of-action
for our lives.
But we need not repeat
these patterns from the past.
Altho genetically we differ little from people
of 100,000 years ago,
we lead dramatically different lives because
we have benefited
from the past several thousand years of human
learning.
And even among the many cultures now living
on this planet,
human beings pursue many diverse life-meanings.
This amazing range of human goals and purposes
may enable us to diverge from our given cultures
as much as any culture differs from another,
ancient or modern.
Consequently, this book
does not offers an alternative way of life;
it does not prescribe a 'new and better'
conformity.
But it will outline a structure for human
existence
in which we re-create ourselves according
to our own designs.
This "Authentic Existence"
may begin with a recognition
of the fundamental absurdity and meaninglessness
of human life.
Existence contains no hidden meanings.
We were born without instructions, without
any reason for being.
As we become aware of our human condition,
we find ourselves cast into the blind, purposeless
whirl of existence.
Our of this formlessness, we must either
create
ourselves
or allow ourselves to be shaped by the
cultural forces around us.
We must either choose to be chosen
for.
Because human existence
contains no automatic purpose,
we can center our lives around whatever purposes
we choose.
First we will probably try to find happiness
—seeking many kinds of pleasure, comfort,
and enjoyment
in physical, emotional, intellectual, and
spiritual hedonism.
But we may find the pursuit of happiness
ultimately disappointing
and turn our attention instead to the quest
for meaning.
INTRODUCTION to BECOMING MORE AUTHENTIC by JAMES PARK 3
The page above is the Introduction to Becoming
More Authentic.
If you would like to own the whole book,
go to the publisher's website: existentialbooks.com
or write to the author for more information:
James Park: e-mail: PARKx032@TC.UMN.EDU
Return to the Table of Contents.
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An
Existential Philosopher's Museum.