Humanism and existentialism are two influential philosophical movements that explore the nature of human existence. Both emphasize individual freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning. While they share some common ideas, their approaches and conclusions often differ.
Humanism focuses on the potential for human progress and the value of rationality, whereas existentialism deals with the individual’s confrontation with an absurd and often meaningless world.
In this article, we will compare and contrast these philosophies, highlighting their similarities and differences. This analysis will help clarify their impact on modern thought and the human experience.
Humanism: A Quick Introduction
Humanism is a philosophical stance that places human beings at the center of concern. It emphasizes human dignity, reason, and the potential for growth. Humanists believe that people are capable of solving problems through rational thought and that humans can shape their own future.
The movement originated during the Renaissance and has evolved to promote ethics, social justice, and education. At its core, humanism values human well-being and believes in the importance of living a meaningful life. It rejects supernatural explanations and instead focuses on human ability and responsibility to create a better world.
Existentialism: A Quick Introduction
Existentialism is a philosophy that focuses on individual freedom and the search for meaning in an indifferent universe. It asserts that life has no inherent purpose, and it is up to each person to create their own meaning.
Existentialists argue that individuals must face the realities of life, including its uncertainties and suffering. Key figures in existentialism include Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Søren Kierkegaard. They emphasized personal responsibility, choice, and the importance of authentic living.
Existentialism challenges traditional beliefs, urging people to confront their existence honestly and embrace freedom despite life’s inherent struggles.
Common Grounds of Humanism and Existentialism
#1. Focus on Individual Freedom and Autonomy
Both humanism and existentialism place a strong emphasis on the freedom of the individual. Humanism believes that through rational thought and moral reasoning, humans can make choices that shape their lives and futures. It views autonomy as essential for personal development and self-determination. Similarly, existentialism stresses that humans are condemned to be free, meaning they are responsible for their own actions in a world that lacks inherent meaning. For existentialists, freedom is not just a right; it is a burden that requires constant decision-making in a world full of uncertainties. In both philosophies, freedom is a core principle that allows individuals to act according to their own will.
#2. Emphasis on Personal Responsibility
Personal responsibility is another key concept in both humanism and existentialism. Humanism argues that humans are responsible for creating ethical systems and making decisions that improve their lives and society. It advocates for individuals to use their reason and empathy to guide their actions. Existentialism takes this responsibility to the next level by claiming that individuals must own every choice they make, even when confronted with an absurd or indifferent universe. The existentialist perspective stresses that people cannot escape the consequences of their actions, and that true freedom comes from accepting the responsibility for their own existence. Both philosophies reject external excuses for behavior, urging individuals to take control of their lives.
#3. Commitment to Authenticity
Authenticity is a shared value between humanism and existentialism. Humanism encourages individuals to live in alignment with their true selves, guided by rational thought, empathy, and a sense of morality. It advocates for people to reject superficial roles and societal pressures in favor of authenticity. Existentialism goes further, arguing that authenticity requires confronting the truth of one’s own existence, even if it means acknowledging the absurdity of life. For existentialists, authenticity involves embracing personal freedom and living in a way that is true to one’s own desires and beliefs, not influenced by societal norms. Both philosophies demand that individuals reject false personas and live honestly, irrespective of external pressures.
#4. Recognition of Human Dignity and Worth
Both humanism and existentialism recognize the inherent dignity of human beings. In humanism, human dignity is grounded in the belief that every individual has intrinsic value, regardless of external circumstances. This belief forms the foundation of human rights, ethics, and social justice within humanism. While existentialism acknowledges that life can be meaningless and absurd, it also insists on the individual’s capacity to assert their worth through their choices. Existentialists argue that even though human life lacks a grand cosmic meaning, individuals still have the power to create meaning and define their own dignity through their actions. Thus, both philosophies affirm human value, albeit from different perspectives.
#5. Rejection of External Authority
Both humanism and existentialism reject the idea that human beings must submit to external authority or prescribed systems of belief. Humanism advocates for the rejection of religious or supernatural explanations for human existence, emphasizing that humans should rely on reason and empirical evidence to navigate their lives. Existentialism shares this rejection, asserting that individuals are not bound by traditional moralities or societal norms. Existentialists argue that individuals must create their own meaning, independent of external authority, including religion, government, or social conventions. In this way, both philosophies promote personal freedom and autonomy by rejecting the control of external forces.
#6. Focus on the Human Experience
Both humanism and existentialism focus on the human experience, though they approach it differently. Humanism centers on the belief that humans are capable of understanding and improving their own lives through reason and empathy. It stresses the importance of human welfare and collective progress. Existentialism, on the other hand, focuses on the individual’s internal experience of life, particularly the struggle to find meaning in an indifferent and often hostile world. While humanism is optimistic about human potential, existentialism confronts the harsh realities of life, including its uncertainties and inherent suffering. Both philosophies, however, are concerned with understanding what it means to be human and how humans can navigate the challenges of existence.
#7. Encouragement of Self-Discovery and Self-Expression
Self-discovery and self-expression are central to both humanism and existentialism. Humanism encourages individuals to explore their potential and express themselves through creativity, education, and ethical behavior. It promotes self-actualization and personal growth. Existentialism also stresses the importance of self-discovery, but with a focus on confronting the raw truths of existence. For existentialists, self-expression comes from embracing freedom, making authentic choices, and acknowledging the absurdity of life. While humanism believes that people can reach their potential through education and community, existentialism believes self-expression emerges from an individual’s encounter with their own freedom and the absurdity of existence. Both philosophies advocate for living genuinely, but existentialism’s approach is more focused on personal confrontation and struggle.
#8. Recognition of Life’s Challenges and Suffering
Both humanism and existentialism recognize that life involves challenges and suffering. Humanism acknowledges that life is not without hardship, but it believes that humans can overcome obstacles through reason, compassion, and collective effort. It advocates for creating a better world through social justice, education, and the alleviation of suffering. Existentialism, however, emphasizes that suffering is an inherent part of the human condition. Existentialists argue that life’s challenges—whether personal, social, or existential—are inevitable and must be confronted head-on. While humanism focuses on solving these problems, existentialism asserts that individuals must find meaning despite them. Both philosophies recognize the harshness of life, but they offer different paths for dealing with it.
#9. Belief in Human Potential for Growth
Humanism strongly believes in the potential for human growth and improvement. It holds that, through education, reason, and empathy, humans can progress both individually and collectively. Humanism encourages individuals to better themselves and contribute to society, seeing personal growth as a key component of a fulfilling life. Existentialism also recognizes the potential for growth, but it views growth in terms of personal freedom and self-awareness. For existentialists, growth comes from accepting the absurdity of life and taking full responsibility for one’s actions. While humanism believes in the power of rationality and progress, existentialism emphasizes the importance of accepting and navigating the challenges of existence as a way to grow. Both philosophies affirm the capacity for growth, but from different angles.
#10. Advocacy for Living a Meaningful Life
Both humanism and existentialism advocate for living a meaningful life, though their definitions of meaning differ. Humanism believes that meaning can be found in the pursuit of knowledge, happiness, and ethical living. It holds that people can create meaning through relationships, education, and contributing to society. Existentialism, in contrast, asserts that life’s inherent meaninglessness must be confronted. Existentialists argue that meaning is not given but must be created through personal choices and authentic living. For existentialism, living meaningfully involves embracing freedom, accepting life’s absurdity, and taking responsibility for one’s actions. Both philosophies encourage individuals to live with purpose, but while humanism emphasizes external achievements and communal goals, existentialism focuses on personal choice and internal meaning-making.
Key Differences of Humanism and Existentialism
#1. View on the Meaning of Life
Humanism generally believes that life has meaning that can be discovered through reason, ethics, and progress. Humanists argue that humans have the capacity to create meaning in their lives, particularly through relationships and societal contributions. In contrast, existentialism posits that life has no inherent meaning. Existentialists claim that the search for meaning is a personal endeavor, and individuals must create meaning for themselves in a world that is indifferent or even absurd. While humanism emphasizes external sources of meaning, existentialism focuses on individual creation of meaning in the face of life’s meaninglessness.
#2. Approach to Human Nature
Humanism takes a more optimistic view of human nature, believing that humans are inherently good and capable of moral improvement. It stresses that, with reason and education, humans can overcome obstacles and make the world a better place. Existentialism, however, takes a more neutral or even pessimistic view of human nature. It does not believe in inherent human goodness but rather views humans as beings who must confront the challenges of existence, including freedom, anxiety, and death. Existentialists argue that human nature is defined by the choices individuals make and the authenticity they achieve through confronting their existence.
#3. Focus on Rationality vs. Emotions
Humanism places a strong emphasis on rationality, reason, and intellect as key tools for understanding and improving the world. It believes that humans can solve problems, make ethical decisions, and achieve personal growth through logical thinking and evidence-based approaches. Existentialism, while not dismissing reason, emphasizes the emotional and subjective aspects of human existence. It acknowledges the importance of personal experience, emotion, and the internal conflict that shapes an individual’s sense of self. Existentialists argue that reason alone cannot provide answers to life’s deeper questions, and emotions must be acknowledged in the search for meaning.
#4. View on Morality
Humanism believes in a universal moral code that can be derived from human reason and empathy. It argues that ethical decisions should aim to improve human well-being, reduce suffering, and promote justice. For humanists, morality is grounded in human experience and is achievable through rational thought and ethical principles. Existentialism, on the other hand, does not provide a fixed moral framework. Existentialists believe that individuals must create their own moral code based on their experiences, choices, and authenticity. They reject universal moral laws, instead advocating for personal responsibility in defining one’s moral values.
#5. Belief in Human Progress
Humanism is grounded in the belief that humans can progress through education, reason, and social reform. It maintains that with continuous effort, humanity can improve both individually and collectively. Humanists are generally optimistic about the future and believe in the possibility of a better world. Existentialism is less concerned with progress in the traditional sense. While existentialists recognize personal growth, they do not necessarily believe in the overall progress of humanity or society. For existentialists, life is often viewed as inherently uncertain and chaotic, and any growth must come from individual struggle and self-awareness rather than collective advancements.
#6. Role of Religion
Humanism typically rejects the role of religion in determining the purpose of life. It holds that humans should rely on reason, science, and empirical evidence to understand the world and make ethical decisions. Humanists often advocate for secularism and believe that moral behavior does not require religious belief. Existentialism, while it does not necessarily reject religion, often critiques it. Existentialist thinkers like Sartre and Camus argued that religion can be a form of escape from the responsibility of confronting the absurdity of life. For existentialists, meaning and purpose must be created by the individual, without reliance on religious doctrine or external authority.
#7. Optimism vs. Pessimism
Humanism is generally optimistic about the future of humanity. It believes that through reason, education, and collective action, people can improve their lives and create a better world. Humanists are hopeful that human progress can lead to a more just, equitable, and rational society. Existentialism, in contrast, tends to have a more pessimistic view. It emphasizes the struggles and challenges of life, including suffering, isolation, and the inevitability of death. Existentialists argue that life is often absurd and that individuals must confront this absurdity directly. While existentialism does not deny the potential for personal growth, it focuses on the darker aspects of existence rather than an optimistic view of humanity’s future.
#8. Perspective on Freedom
Both humanism and existentialism emphasize freedom, but they view it differently. Humanism believes that freedom is best realized through rationality, education, and social justice. It advocates for the removal of societal barriers that limit individual freedom and promotes equality and opportunity for all. Existentialism takes a more intense view of freedom. It argues that humans are condemned to be free, meaning that individuals must constantly make choices and bear the responsibility for those choices. Existentialists believe that true freedom comes with the anxiety of knowing that every decision is up to the individual, with no external guarantees or moral framework to rely on. For existentialists, freedom is both a gift and a burden.
#9. Role of Society
Humanism places a strong emphasis on society and believes that human progress is often achieved through collective efforts. It advocates for social reform and the improvement of societal structures, such as education, healthcare, and justice systems, to benefit all individuals. Humanists believe that society should support individual well-being and foster human development. Existentialism, in contrast, tends to focus more on the individual rather than society. While existentialists recognize that society can influence an individual’s experience, they argue that each person must face their existence alone and create meaning independently of societal structures. Existentialism often critiques society for imposing false norms and expectations on individuals, urging people to live authentically, even if it means rejecting societal values.
#10. Influence of Philosophy and Literature
Humanism has had a profound influence on philosophy, science, and the arts, particularly in the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods. It has shaped modern concepts of human rights, ethics, and secularism. Humanism’s focus on reason and human potential has also had a lasting impact on education and political thought. Existentialism, meanwhile, has heavily influenced modern philosophy, literature, and psychology. Thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus have contributed to existentialism’s exploration of freedom, meaning, and the human condition. In literature, existentialism has inspired works that focus on personal alienation, despair, and the search for meaning. Both philosophies have left a lasting mark on intellectual thought, with humanism shaping societal values and existentialism influencing individual identity and personal responsibility.
Closing Thoughts
Humanism and existentialism, while differing in their views on life’s meaning and human nature, share a deep commitment to individual freedom and personal responsibility. Humanism emphasizes the potential for human progress through reason, education, and social reform, while existentialism challenges individuals to create their own meaning in an absurd world.
Both philosophies encourage authenticity and self-expression, yet they approach these values from distinct perspectives. Understanding these similarities and differences helps us better navigate our own paths in a world that often seems uncertain. Whether seeking meaning or embracing freedom, both philosophies provide valuable insights into the human experience.