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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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On Being and Becoming summary
Jennifer Anna Gosetti-Ferencei
An Existentialist Approach to Life
23 mins
Brief summary
"On Being and Becoming" by Jennifer Anna Gosetti-Ferencei is a philosophical exploration of the relationship between creativity and the human experience. It examines how the act of creating shapes our identities and fulfills our deepest needs for self-expression and meaning.
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On Being and Becoming
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Key idea 1 of 7
Existentialism was a diverse philosophical movement centered on the theme of human freedom.
Today, the word existentialism tends to evoke images of fashionable intellectuals smoking cigarettes in trendy Parisian cafés. This is likely because it was in the French context that existentialism first erupted into mainstream awareness. The movement's figureheads, Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, were the first existentialist philosophers to enjoy celebrity-like status. And the couple’s famously open relationship and bohemian lifestyle would become synonymous with an existentialist way of life.
But this perception of existentialism is far narrower than the movement really was. For one thing, its main ideas had already begun to develop in the nineteenth century with Nietzsche and Kierkegaard. Both of these thinkers, in their own ways, sought to rescue authentic individuality from an increasingly homogenized mass culture. Other influences include the German phenomenologists Husserl and Heidegger, and also great works of literature, like the masterpieces of Dostoevsky and Kafka, all of which explore existentialist themes.
Existentialism, then, isn’t a single, unified philosophy – it’s more a collection of works that focus on similar problems. That being said, all existentialist writers agree on a few basic principles.
This is the key message: Existentialism was a diverse philosophical movement centered on the theme of human freedom.
To begin with, all existentialists sought to reorient philosophy away from abstract theorizing and back to the real problems of life as people actually experience them. All existentialist philosophy begins from the position that a human being experiences the world from a first-person, subjective point of view. In fact, they remind us, it’s only from this point of view that philosophy has any value at all.
The unique nature of our first-person perspective means that each person’s experience of the world is profoundly personal, and can never be interchanged with anyone else’s point of view. So, in the end, you, and you alone, are capable of making sense of your experiences and deciding how to act.
For this same reason, existentialists tend to eschew traditional interpretations of the meaning of life – like the ones found in religious and philosophical doctrines. While it’s fine to draw inspiration from anywhere, existentialists caution against blindly adopting prepackaged answers to the big questions in life.
To existentialism’s credit, it’s not a philosophy that tells you how to live your life. Rather, it seeks to orient you to these big questions so that you can answer them for yourself.
Lastly, all existentialists emphasize human freedom. While you can’t control everything in life, much of it unfolds according to the choices and commitments you make. You may not like it, but you’re responsible for creating the life you want, as well as the person you want to become.
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What is On Being and Becoming about?
On Being and Becoming (2021) is simultaneously an introduction to the philosophy of existentialism and a guide to the good life. Drawing on a broad range of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century existentialist writers, the book unpacks the main themes and insights from the movement and explains what that means for how you should live your life.
On Being and Becoming Review
On Being and Becoming by Jennifer Anna Gosetti-Ferencei (2020) explores the profound journey of self-transformation and the constant evolution of our identities. Here are three reasons why this book is worth reading:
- Through incisive philosophical analysis, it delves into the complexity of our existence and the fluidity of our sense of self, challenging conventional notions of identity.
- With its thought-provoking exploration of art, literature, and nature, the book offers unique perspectives on how these aspects shape our understanding of being and becoming.
- By weaving together personal anecdotes, cultural references, and scholarly research, the book captivates readers with its depth and intellectual rigor, making it anything but boring.
Who should read On Being and Becoming?
- Philosophically minded people looking for an introduction to existentialism’s key ideas
- Unhappy souls who dwell on the difficulties of existence
- Anyone who wants to know how to live a happier and more authentic life
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On Being and Becoming FAQs
What is the main message of On Being and Becoming?
On Being and Becoming explores the transformative power of personal growth and self-discovery.
How long does it take to read On Being and Becoming?
The reading time for On Being and Becoming varies. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is On Being and Becoming a good book? Is it worth reading?
On Being and Becoming offers valuable insights into personal growth. It's definitely worth reading!
Who is the author of On Being and Becoming?
The author of On Being and Becoming is Jennifer Anna Gosetti-Ferencei.
What to read after On Being and Becoming?
If you're wondering what to read next after On Being and Becoming, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- At The Existentialist Café by Sarah Bakewell
- The Ethics of Ambiguity by Simone de Beauvoir
- The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus
- Utilitarianism by John Stuart Mill
- The Fate of Rome by Kyle Harper
- Man and His Symbols by Carl Jung
- Get to the Point! by Joel Schwartzberg
- Start Making Sense by Steven J Heine
- The Sovereign Child by Aaron Stupple
- The Consolations of Philosophy by Alain De Botton