Examples Of Existentialism In The Chosen

1655 Words7 Pages
In the book The Chosen many examples of the basic ideas of existentialism are shown throughout the book. To support this argument the basic ideas of existentialist beliefs will be shown as well as some of the main beliefs of important influential philosophers on the belief. Particular pieces from the book will also be used to help support this argument. Therefore, the idea of existentialism does take part in the characters and how the character's actions influence their lives. Within the philosophy of existentialism there are many different beliefs. One of the beliefs that is within the philosophy is individual existence, freedom and choice. It is said that in an attempt for humans to find meaning in life they make rational decisions despite…show more content…
During David Malter's pursuit of influencing others to try and develop a Jewish state the attitude that he holds shows some of the ideas of the philosophy. His tireless work into his speeches and great attempts to make a difference within the American Jewish community show his passion towards striving for the difference he was out to make. A quote from the book demonstrates his attitude towards life and the reasoning as to why he worked so hard on the speeches and classes he was in charge of, "A man must fill his life with meaning, meaning is not automatically given to life. It is hard work to fill one's life with meaning...A life filled with meaning is worthy of rest. I want to be worthy of rest when I am no longer here" (Potok 217). This clearly represents his want to take action within his life in order to apply meaning to his life through the impact he has on other people in his choices. The relation to the existentialist belief is that he is creating meaning in his life through the use of his freedom as a person and the choices he makes throughout his life. The definition of who he is is being made through the choices and the impact he is making which directly relates to the idea of creating meaning to life and the freedom of choice in existentialism. Therefore, David Malter's attitute and passionate action helps relate the book towards the philosophy of existentialism through the ideas of choice, freedom, and
Show More
Related

  • The Ethics Of Ambiguity By Simone De Beauvoir

    2072 Words  | 9 Pages

    and ultimately the consequences that can follow if he has chosen improperly. This idea is the basis for existentialist philosophy. Existentialism is a theory that places emphasis on a person’s free will to make decisions (Burnham and Papandreopoulos). Existentialism holds the belief that all human beings are free agents capable

    Read More

  • Existentialism In Albert Camus's The Outsider

    1953 Words  | 8 Pages

    existentialist.” Camus claimed that his works focused more on the absurd rather than existentialist ideas. Nonetheless, the main character of the novel, Meursault, is in many ways an embodiment of existentialism. Meursault is the projector of the philosophy’s ideologies in his thoughts and actions. Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes on individual existence, freedom and choices. The main belief is that there is ultimately no meaning at the core of existence. Staying with this belief, it would

    Read More

More about Examples Of Existentialism In The Chosen

Open Document