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Single Idea 20316

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / F. Existentialism / 7. Existential Action ]

Full Idea

My Existenz, as a possibility, takes a step toward being or away from being, toward nothingness, in every choice or decision I make.

Gist of Idea

Every decision I make moves towards or away from fulfilled Existenz

Source

Karl Jaspers (Philosophy [1932], vol.2)

Book Ref

'Existentialism', ed/tr. Solomon,Robert C. [Modern Library 1974], p.135


A Reaction

The existential idea of action involves what you are, as well as what you do. There seems to be a paradox. My being is plastic, and can change enormously, so I should take responsibility for the change. But who is in charge of the changes?

Related Idea

Idea 20315 'Existenz' is the potential being, which I could have, and ought to have [Jaspers]


The 11 ideas from Karl Jaspers

Truth is what unites, and the profound truths create a community [Jaspers]
'Existenz' is the potential being, which I could have, and ought to have [Jaspers]
Freedom needs knowledge, the possibility of arbitrariness, and law [Jaspers]
I am aware that freedom is possible, and the freedom is not in theory, but in seeking freedom [Jaspers]
My freedom increases as I broaden my vision of possiblities and motives [Jaspers]
My helplessness in philosophising reveals my being, and begins its upsurge [Jaspers]
The struggle for Existenz is between people who are equals, and are utterly honest [Jaspers]
Once we grasp freedom 'from' things, then freedom 'for' things becomes urgent [Jaspers]
Mundane existence is general, falling under universals, but Existens is unique to individuals [Jaspers]
Every decision I make moves towards or away from fulfilled Existenz [Jaspers]
We want the correct grasp on being that is neither solipsism nor absorption in the crowd [Jaspers]