“What is the meaning of life?” For centuries, the foundation of philosophical investigation has been this age-old question. It is a question that evokes deep reflection about our human existence and furthermore, our approach to life and death. The search for meaning remains a fundamental human pursuit. There are two approaches that offer insight on this quest: existentialism and humanism.
Existentialism: Embracing the Absurd
Existentialism, a philosophical movement that gained prominence in the mid-20th century, proposes that individuals are solely responsible for giving meaning to their lives in an otherwise meaningless universe (Aho, 2023). Key figures in the existential realm include Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Martin Heidegger (Aho, 2023). Sartre says, “existence precedes essence,” suggesting that humans first exist and then define themselves through their actions and choices (Maden, 2023). This perspective places enormous weight on individual freedom and responsibility.
We are, in Sartre’s view, “condemned to be free” – obligated to make choices and create our own meaning in a world without inherent purpose (Rossmiller, 2023). Albert Camus introduced the concept of the absurd – the tension between our desire for meaning and the apparent meaninglessness of the universe (Rossmiller, 2023). In “The Myth of Sisyphus,” Camus uses the Greek mythological figure condemned to endlessly push a boulder up a hill as a metaphor for the human condition (Karpouzos, 2024). He argues that we must find meaning in the struggle itself, embracing life’s absurdities rather than succumbing to despair. Existentialists emphasize authenticity as a key to meaningful existence (Aho, 2023). This is embracing our individuality, being accountable for our decisions, and living authentically rather than conforming.
Humanistic Psychology and Person-Centered Therapy
Humanism, while sharing some common ground with existentialism, offers a different perspective on finding meaning. This philosophical position places a strong emphasis on the worth and agency of people, emphasizing reason, morality, and the quest of personal fulfillment independent of faith in the extraordinary (Pincus, 2022). Humanist thought has roots in ancient philosophy but gained renewed prominence during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods (Casini, n.d.). Humanists argue that meaning can be found through:
- Reason and scientific inquiry
- Ethical behavior and social responsibility
- Personal growth and self-actualization
- Appreciation of art, culture, and natural beauty
- Building meaningful relationships and contributing to society
Unlike existentialism, which often grapples with the absurdity of existence, humanism tends to be more optimistic about human potential and the possibility of creating a meaningful life through rational thought and action (Burnham & Papandreopoulos, n.d.).
Existentialism, Humanism, and Modern Psychotherapy
The influence of existentialist and humanist philosophies extends beyond academic discussions, significantly impacting the field of psychotherapy. These philosophical approaches have given rise to important therapeutic modalities that focus on helping individuals find meaning and authenticity in their lives and existence.
Existential Psychotherapy
Rooted in existentialist philosophy, existential psychotherapy was developed by psychologists like Irvin Yalom and Rollo May. This approach focuses on helping clients confront life’s fundamental concerns:
- Death and mortality
- Freedom and responsibility
- Existential isolation
- Meaninglessness
Existential therapists help clients explore these “ultimate concerns” and find ways to live authentically despite life’s inherent uncertainties (Craig, 2008). The goal is not to eliminate anxiety or suffering, but to help individuals engage with these experiences meaningfully (Craig, 2008). For example, a therapist might help a client struggling with a fear of death to explore how this fear impacts their daily choices. By confronting this anxiety directly, the client may find a renewed appreciation for life and a motivation to live more fully in the present.
Humanistic Psychology and Person-Centered Therapy
In opposition to behaviorism and psychoanalysis, humanistic psychology – which has a close connection with philosophical humanism – arose in the middle of the 20th century. Individuals like Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers highlighted the value of subjective experience, self-actualization, and human potential (Malchiodi, 2002). Rogers developed person-centered therapy, which is based on the belief that individuals have an innate tendency toward growth and self-actualization (Person Centered Therapy—the Counseling Place, n.d.). This approach emphasizes:
- Unconditional positive regard from the therapist
- Empathic understanding
- Therapist genuineness or congruence
Establishing a safe and secure place for clients to explore their experiences and attain their own answers is the aim (Malchiodi, 2002). Person-centered therapy, in contrast to more directed approaches, has confidence in the client’s ability to grow and make decisions for themselves (McLeod, 2024).
Logotherapy
“Developed by Viktor Frankl, logotherapy is often described as the ‘Third Viennese School of Psychotherapy’ after Freud’s psychoanalysis and Adler’s individual psychology” (AAIM Counseling and Training, 2024). Based on his personal experiences as a Holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl proposed that the pursuit of meaning is what drives people most in life. Logotherapy helps clients find meaning through:
- Creating a work or doing a deed
- Experiencing something or encountering someone
- The attitude taken toward unavoidable suffering (Frankl, 1966).
This method emphasizes individual accountability and the ability of people to discover meaning in the most troubling circumstances, which is quite similar to existentialist and humanist ideas (Frankl, 1966).
Integration in Modern Practice
Many contemporary therapists integrate elements from existential, humanistic, and other approaches into their work. This integration allows for a holistic approach to mental health that addresses both symptom reduction and deeper questions of meaning and purpose (Nasution et al., 2024). For instance, a therapist might use cognitive-behavioral techniques to help a client manage anxiety symptoms while also exploring existential questions about the client’s values and life direction. This combination can lead to both immediate symptom relief and long-term personal growth.
Conclusion: Synthesizing Perspectives
As we’ve seen, the principles of existentialism and humanism not only provide philosophical frameworks for understanding life’s meaning but also inform practical approaches to mental health and personal growth (Nasution et al., 2024). Whether through academic study, personal reflection, or therapeutic practice, engaging with these ideas can enrich our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
In my own journey, I’ve found that exploring these philosophical and psychological perspectives has provided valuable tools for navigating life’s challenges. It’s a reminder that the search for meaning is not just an abstract intellectual exercise, but a vital part of living a fulfilling life. As we continue to grapple with questions of meaning and purpose, let us remember that this struggle is a fundamental part of the human experience.
Let us also remember the words of Viktor Frankl: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” By drawing on the insights of existentialist and humanist thinkers, as well as the practical wisdom of psychotherapeutic approaches, we can face life’s uncertainties with greater courage, authenticity, and sense of purpose.
References
AAIM Counseling and Training. (2024, January 31). Logotherapy – AAIM counseling and training. https://www.aaimcounseling.com/services/adults/logotherapy/
Aho, K. (2023). Existentialism (U. Nodelman & E. N Zalta, Eds.; Summer 2023). Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University.
Burnham, D., & Papandreopoulos, G. (n.d.). Existentialism | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://iep.utm.edu/existent/
Casini, L. (n.d.). Renaissance Philosophy | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://iep.utm.edu/renaissa/#H2
Craig, E. (2008). A brief overview of existential depth psychotherapy. The Humanistic Psychologist, 36(3–4), 211–226. https://doi.org/10.1080/08873260802349958
Frankl, V. E. (1966). Logotherapy and Existential Analysis—A review. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 20(2), 252–260. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.1966.20.2.252
Karpouzos, A. (2024). THE PHILOSOPHY OF ALBERT CAMUS – ALEXIS KARPOUZOS. https://philarchive.org/rec/KARTPO-36
Lpc, S. R. (2023, September 12). The daily wisdom of absurdism: finding meaning and resilience in life’s chaos. Rebellious Wellness. https://www.rebelliouswellnesstherapy.com/post/the-daily-wisdom-of-absurdism-findingmeaning-and-resilience-in-life-s-chaos
Maden, J. (n.d.). Existence precedes essence: What Sartre really meant. Philosophy Break. https://philosophybreak.com/articles/existence-precedes-essence-what-sartre-reallymeant
Malchiodi, C. A. (2002). Handbook of Art Therapy. http://ci.nii.ac.jp/ncid/BB08823029
McLeod, S., PhD. (2024). Carl Rogers Humanistic Theory and Contribution to Psychology.
Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/carl-rogers.html
Nasution, A. Z. I., Karneli, Y., & Netrawati, N. (2024). Existential Humanistic Perspective on Depression and Anxiety: A Literature study. Al-Ihath Jurnal Bimbingan Dan Konseling Islam, 4(2), 70–79. https://doi.org/10.53915/jbki.v4i2.530
Person centered therapy — the counselling place. (n.d.). The Counselling Place. https://www.thecounsellingplace.com/person-centered-therapy
Pincus, J. D. (2022). Theoretical and empirical foundations for a unified pyramid of human motivation. Integrative Psychological and Behavioral Science, 58(2), 731–756. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12124-022-09700-9
Maya Hernández, B.SC
Maya Hernández (she/her/ella) is a second-year counseling psychology master’s student at The Chicago School. She has experience working with trauma survivors.
