Authenticity as Creating Your Essence

Authenticity, according to Simone de Beauvoir, involves creating an authentic life by actively choosing and creating our essence. From an existential perspective, essence is not predetermined but is something we create. It is the process of transcending the facts of our lives and expressing our freedom to become who we choose to be. For example, learning a new language allows us to transcend our language facticity. Authenticity involves reflecting on societal pressures and untangling them to make choices that align with our true selves.