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Single Idea 20325

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / F. Existentialism / 1. Existentialism ]

Full Idea

Once the question of 'freedom from what?' has been answered by shattering all objectivities, the question of 'freedom for what?' becomes all the more urgent.

Gist of Idea

Once we grasp freedom 'from' things, then freedom 'for' things becomes urgent

Source

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

Book Ref

'Existentialism', ed/tr. Solomon,Robert C. [Modern Library 1974], p.158


A Reaction

A quintessential existentialist idea, and its most appealing aspect. Message to all teenagers: don't get bogged down in what you are prevented from doing, but focus on what you can do. The first problem will melt away. (Unless you are in handcuffs....).


The 11 ideas from 'Philosophy'

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]