Have you ever felt like two great minds were arguing over a single point, and you just can’t decide who’s right?
That’s the vibe when existentialism and humanism clash. Both swoop in with big ideas about freedom, meaning, and the human condition, but they’re not always on the same page. One of the biggest sticking points? How we create meaning in life.
What Is Existential Thought?
Existentialism isn’t a single textbook; it’s a collection of thinkers—Sartre, Camus, Kierkegaard—who all say the same thing in different ways: We exist first, then we define ourselves.
The core idea is that there’s no pre‑written blueprint for life. The universe isn’t handing us a purpose; we have to pull it out ourselves, and that pulls a heavy weight of responsibility. Think of it like a blank canvas that you’re forced to paint on, even if the paint runs out halfway through.
Key Themes
- Absurdity – life has no inherent meaning, but we keep searching anyway.
- Authenticity – living in tune with your own values, not society’s script.
- Freedom & Responsibility – with freedom comes the burden of choice.
- Existential Angst – the dread that comes from realizing you’re the author of your own story.
What Is Humanistic Thought?
Humanism, especially in the psychological sense, is a bit more optimistic. It says humans are inherently good, capable of growth, and find meaning through connection, creativity, and personal development. Think Maslow, Rogers, and the whole “self‑actualization” crowd.
Key Themes
- Innate Potential – we’re born with a drive to realize our full selves.
- Positive Growth – focus on what makes us thrive, not just survive.
- Human Relationships – meaning is often found in empathy and shared experience.
- Holistic Well‑Being – mind, body, spirit all part of the puzzle.
Why It Matters / Why People Care
If you’re stuck in a rut, wondering whether you’re just a cog in the machine or the captain of your ship, this debate can feel like a lifeline or a roadblock.
Consider this: - Existentialists give you the freedom to forge your path, but they also warn you that the same freedom can feel crushing. - Humanists reassure you that you’re not alone; meaning sprinkles itself from the people you meet and the growth you pursue.
When you understand where each philosophy lands, you can pick the tools that fit your personal narrative Not complicated — just consistent..
How It Works: The Meaning-Making Clash
The Existential View: Meaning Is Created, Not Discovered
Existentialists say the universe is indifferent. The only way to get meaning is to create it by making choices that reflect your true self.
- Choice as Creation – Every decision is a brushstroke.
- Authentic Action – Even small acts of defiance against societal norms can be powerful.
- Responsibility Overlap – You’re the sole author, but you’re also the sole critic.
The Humanistic View: Meaning Emerges from Growth and Connection
Humanists argue that meaning doesn’t have to be invented from scratch. It’s a natural byproduct of living well and growing.
Now, - Empathy & Relationships – Shared experiences give context to your story. Here's the thing — - Self‑Actualization – As you develop skills and insights, meaning flows. - Positive Psychology – Happiness isn’t a destination; it’s a process.
The Core Disagreement
At the heart of it, existentialists deny any pre‑existing meaning and insist we must actively construct it, often through solitary reflection. Humanists believe meaning is partly given—through social bonds, personal growth, and innate human tendencies.
So, the question becomes: *Do we make meaning, or does it come to us?
Common Mistakes / What Most People Get Wrong
-
Thinking “meaning” is a single, static answer.
Both schools warn that clinging to a fixed meaning can feel like a trap. Life’s meaning is fluid. -
Assuming existential freedom means no guidance.
Freedom doesn’t equate to aimlessness. It’s about choosing a path, not wandering aimlessly It's one of those things that adds up. That's the whole idea.. -
Believing humanistic growth is all sunshine.
Growth can be painful, but that pain is part of the process—exactly what existentialists highlight Not complicated — just consistent.. -
Equating authenticity with isolation.
Existential authenticity doesn’t mean cutting yourself off. It means being honest with yourself and others That's the whole idea..
Practical Tips / What Actually Works
1. Start a “Meaning Journal”
- Write daily about decisions that felt authentic or moments that sparked growth.
- Reflect on whether those moments felt created or discovered.
2. Set Small, Purposeful Goals
- Choose goals that align with your values, not just external expectations.
- Celebrate the act of choosing—that’s the existential bite.
3. Cultivate Meaningful Relationships
- Invest in people who challenge and support you.
- Share your journey; the dialogue can reveal hidden meanings.
4. Embrace the Absurd
- Acknowledge the absurd—it frees you to experiment without fear of failure.
- Laugh at the chaos; humor is a humanistic tool for resilience.
5. Practice Self‑Compassion
- Treat mistakes as learning moments rather than evidence of failure.
- Remember that both philosophies value growth, just from different angles.
FAQ
Q1: Can I be both existential and humanistic?
Absolutely. Many people mix the two: they create meaning through authentic choices while also valuing growth and connection.
Q2: Which approach is better for mental health?
Neither is a cure, but existential therapy can help you confront anxiety about freedom, while humanistic therapy boosts self‑esteem and relationships. It’s about balance The details matter here..
Q3: How do I know when I’m “authentic”?
Ask: Do I act because I genuinely want to, or because I think I should? If the answer leans toward the former, you’re on the right track.
Q4: Is meaning something I can “find” like a treasure?
Humanists would say yes, through experience. Existentialists would say you uncover it by living intentionally It's one of those things that adds up. No workaround needed..
Q5: What if I feel lost after choosing a path?
That’s normal. Both schools accept uncertainty. Keep revisiting your choices and adjusting as you learn.
Closing Thought
Whether you lean toward the existential call to forge your own meaning or the humanistic belief that meaning springs from growth and connection, the real power lies in your willingness to act. Think about it: pick up that journal, talk to someone, make a small choice today, and watch how the conversation between freedom and fulfillment unfolds. The debate isn’t about picking a side; it’s about using both lenses to see a richer, fuller picture of what it means to live Small thing, real impact..
6. Re‑evaluate Your “Why” Periodically
- Schedule a quarterly check‑in with yourself. Ask: What am I working toward now?
- Map the shift: note which values have deepened, which have faded, and why.
- Adjust your goals, relationships, and daily habits accordingly.
This habit prevents you from drifting into autopilot—an existential pitfall—and keeps you aligned with the humanistic emphasis on continual growth.
7. Use “Choice‑Impact” Boards
A simple visual tool can make abstract freedom concrete:
| Choice | Immediate Reason | Underlying Value | Expected Growth | Actual Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Join a community art class | Want to be creative | Self‑expression | Expand social network, develop skill | Met 3 new friends, improved drawing |
- Why it works: It forces you to articulate the why behind each decision (existential) while tracking the personal development that follows (humanistic). Over time you’ll spot patterns—areas where you’re truly living your values and zones where you’re merely complying with external expectations.
8. Turn “Failure” into a Narrative
- Write the story of a setback as if you were the protagonist in a novel.
- Identify the turning point where you could have chosen differently.
- Highlight the lesson that propels you forward.
This narrative technique reframes failure from a static judgment into a dynamic chapter of meaning‑making, satisfying both the existential need for agency and the humanistic drive for self‑actualization.
9. Engage in “Purpose‑Sharing” Sessions
Gather a small group of trusted friends or colleagues once a month:
- Each person shares one recent decision they made intentionally.
- The group asks two questions:
- What value were you honoring? (Existential focus)
- What did you learn about yourself? (Humanistic focus)
- Close with a round of gratitude for the vulnerability shown.
These sessions create a feedback loop that validates authentic choices while reinforcing the communal aspect of growth.
10. Balance Solitude and Connection
- Solitude gives you space to confront the “nothingness” that existentialists warn about, allowing you to hear your own voice without distraction.
- Connection supplies the relational nourishment that humanistic psychology deems essential for flourishing.
Schedule both: a weekly “alone‑time” walk or meditation, and a weekly “together‑time” coffee or collaborative project. The rhythm of alternating between the two nurtures both authenticity and belonging Simple as that..
Integrating the Practices: A Sample Week
| Day | Activity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10‑minute meaning journal entry | Capture fresh authentic moments |
| Tuesday | Attend a community workshop (e.g., pottery) | Test a value‑aligned goal |
| Wednesday | Solo nature walk, reflect on “absurd” moments | Embrace existential freedom |
| Thursday | “Choice‑Impact” board update | Visualize agency & growth |
| Friday | Purpose‑sharing session with friends | Externalize learning & receive feedback |
| Saturday | Volunteer at a local shelter | Combine relational connection with value‑driven action |
| Sunday | Review quarterly “why” checklist; set next week’s micro‑goals | Re‑calibrate direction |
By weaving these steps into a regular cadence, you create a living system that constantly checks the tension between creating meaning and cultivating it, ensuring neither side dominates to the detriment of the other That's the part that actually makes a difference. But it adds up..
The Bigger Picture: From Personal Practice to Societal Impact
When individuals consistently model this integrated approach, the ripple effects extend beyond the self:
- Workplaces become hubs where employees feel free to propose novel ideas (existential agency) while receiving mentorship that nurtures skill and confidence (humanistic growth).
- Communities evolve into ecosystems that honor diverse narratives of meaning, reducing the alienation that often fuels anxiety and depression.
- Public discourse shifts from “what should we do?” to “what do we choose together, and how will we support each other in that choice?”
Simply put, the personal habit of balancing authenticity with compassionate self‑development can help reshape cultural narratives around purpose, responsibility, and well‑being Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
Conclusion
Existential authenticity and humanistic growth are not opposing philosophies; they are complementary lenses that, when used together, give us a fuller map of the terrain we call life. By actively choosing actions that reflect our deepest values, while simultaneously nurturing the capacities that allow those choices to flourish, we turn the abstract debate into concrete daily practice.
Pick one of the tools above—perhaps the meaning journal or the quarterly “why” check‑in—and commit to it for the next thirty days. Notice how each intentional decision not only carves out a personal sense of meaning but also expands the space in which you can become more fully yourself. In the dance between freedom and connection, the steps you take today become the choreography of a richer, more authentic tomorrow.
Honestly, this part trips people up more than it should Worth keeping that in mind..
