Existentialism is a philosophical line of thought that addresses questions about the individual and their purpose and existence in the universe. It reached a peak after World War 2 as people questioned the meaning of life. Existentialism holds that individuals are solely responsible for giving meaning to their own lives through their actions, thoughts, and feelings. There is no inherent meaning - the meaning of life differs for each individual. Key principles of existentialism include that people define themselves through their choices, life's meaning is defined by the time between birth and death, and individuals must define their own identity freely while also being responsible for their decisions.

1. Existentialism “ To be, or not to be…” Why are we here? What is my purpose in the universe? God died in the trenches. “ To thine own self be true” “ I think, therefore I am”

3. Modern existentialist thought reaches a peak in the aftermath of the Second World War

4. It is up to the individual to give life meaning through her/his own actions, thoughts and feelings (these are proof of our existence).

5. In this sense, existence and it's meaning become entirely the responsibility of the individual. This can be lonely and unsatisfying to some, because...

6. There is a different answer for each individual.

7. Five Key Principles of Existentialism … With reference to Thomas R. Flynn’s Existentialism – A Very Short Introduction

8. One: Choice and Free Will Your choices define who you are, not the other way around. Your life is what you make it.

9. Two: Carpe Diem Life’s meaning is defined by what happens between birth and death only – we are “time-bound beings”.

10. Three: Humanism (person-centred philosophy) We must pursue and define our own identity in the face of societal and economic pressures to conform and be “normal”

11. Four: Freedom and Responsibility We have the freedom to make our own choices, and to define the meaning of our existence, but we are ultimately responsible for our decisions.

12. Five: Ethical Considerations are Paramount Although we understand ethics and freedom in own way, our personal lives, and our participation in society must be authentic.

13. Key players: Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus