228 | Skye Cleary on Existentialism and Authenticity
Feb 27, 2023
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Skye Cleary, a philosopher and author, dives into the transformative ideas of existentialism, particularly through the lens of Simone de Beauvoir. She discusses the challenge of creating personal meaning in a world devoid of predetermined purpose. The conversation highlights the significance of freedom, self-reflection, and authentic choices in shaping identity. Cleary also sheds light on how existentialism can guide our understanding of relationships, encouraging mutual respect and individual authenticity amidst societal pressures.
Existentialism emphasizes creating our own essence and being authentic through choices and actions.
Challenging societal norms allows individuals to find true authenticity and fulfill their potentials.
Engaging with others contributes to self-understanding and a deeper journey towards authenticity.
Deep dives
The Essence of Authenticity
Existentialism emphasizes the process of creating our own essence and being authentic. Existence precedes essence, meaning we are born without a fixed essence, but it is up to us to shape and create our own essence through our choices and actions. Authenticity is a continuous process of embracing our freedom, transcending limitations, and creating our own lives on our own terms. It is not a static state but a dynamic and creative endeavor that allows us to live fulfilling and true to ourselves.
Challenging Norms and Finding Meaning
Existentialism questions societal norms and the traditional roles assigned to individuals. Simone de Beauvoir, a prominent existentialist and feminist philosopher, argued against the policing of femininity and masculinity. By challenging these norms, individuals can find true authenticity. It is important to acknowledge and overcome the obstacles that limit our freedom of expression and shape our identities. The goal is to create a society that allows everyone, regardless of gender or societal expectations, to live authentically and fulfill their potentials.
Our Relationship with Others
Existentialism recognizes the significance of our relationships with others in our journey towards authenticity. Engaging with others actively contributes to self-understanding and self-awareness. While being authentic involves being true to oneself, it also entails being empathetic, recognizing the subjectivity and agency of others. Balancing our individuality with our interconnectedness is crucial, as too much self-centeredness or complete self-sacrifice for others can hinder our pursuit of authenticity. A harmonious and mutual relationship with others allows for growth, self-discovery, and a deeper understanding of ourselves.
The Importance of Authenticity and Reflection
The podcast episode explores the importance of authenticity and reflection in making meaningful choices. It emphasizes that understanding the consequences of our actions often comes after the fact, as we cannot predict the future. Authenticity involves aligning our true inner desires with our actions, and being reflective about who we are and the choices we have made. Lucidity and self-honesty play a role in this process, as we strive to make choices with awareness and understanding, even when we don't have complete information. The podcast suggests that authenticity and reflection lead to a richer, deeper, and more fulfilling life.
Simone de Beauvoir's Life and Philosophy
The podcast delves into the life of Simone de Beauvoir, an influential philosopher born in 1908. De Beauvoir grew up in Paris with a privileged background that took a downturn, impacting her prospects for marriage. This led her to focus on her education and pursue a philosophy career, eventually becoming one of the few women to graduate from the Sorbonne program. She met Jean-Paul Sartre, and their relationship exemplified the importance of freedom and authenticity. De Beauvoir used her privilege as a famous writer to engage in activism, particularly advocating for women's rights. The podcast highlights de Beauvoir's view that freedom and responsibility go hand in hand, and that one's freedom should not come at the cost of oppressing others.
God is dead, as Nietzsche’s madman memorably reminded us. So what are we going to do about it? If there is no powerful force out there to guide us and give meaning to our lives, how are we supposed to live? Do we have to come up with meaning and purpose ourselves? Apparently so, and how to pull it off was a major question addressed by the existentialist movement. Skye Cleary turns to Simone de Beauvoir, in particular, for thoughts on how to construct an authentic life. Her recent book is How to Be Authentic: Simone de Beauvoir and the Quest for Fulfillment.
Skye Cleary received a Ph.D. and an MBA from Macquarie University. She is an author and philosopher and also teaches at Columbia University and the City College of New York. Her writing has appeared in The Paris Review, Aeon, The Times Literary Supplement, TED-Ed, and The Los Angeles Review of Books, among other outlets. She won the 2017 New Philosopher Writers’ Award and was a 2021 MacDowell Fellow.
