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Single Idea 20325

[catalogued under 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)

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....).

Book Reference

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