2014//To Thine Own Self Be True

Existentialists agree that human beings must have an accurate awareness of themselves and live meaningful—they say “authentic”—lives in order to be psychologically well adjusted. These theorists do not believe, however,that people are naturally inclined to live positively. They believe that from birth we have total freedom, either to face up to our existence and give meaning to our lives or to shrink from that responsibility. Those who choose to “hide” from responsibility and choice will view themselves as helpless and may live empty, inauthentic, and dysfunctional lives as a result.