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Posted: January 25th, 2024
Existentialism and Siddhartha: A Comparative Analysis
Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th century, which emphasizes the individual’s freedom and responsibility to create meaning in a world that is absurd and devoid of inherent value. Siddhartha is a novel by Hermann Hesse, published in 1922, which tells the story of a young man’s spiritual journey in ancient India, in search of enlightenment and self-realization. Both existentialism and Siddhartha explore the themes of human existence, such as the meaning of life, the role of suffering, the quest for authenticity, and the possibility of transcendence. In this blog post, I will compare and contrast the main ideas and perspectives of existentialism and Siddhartha, and discuss their implications for modern society.
The Meaning of Life
One of the central questions that existentialism and Siddhartha address is: what is the meaning of life? For existentialists, such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Friedrich Nietzsche, life has no objective or predetermined meaning or purpose. Rather, each individual has to create their own meaning and values through their choices and actions. As Sartre famously said, “Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does” (Sartre 2007, 29). Existentialists also reject the idea that there is a universal or absolute morality or truth that can guide human behavior. Instead, they emphasize the subjective and relative nature of human experience and knowledge.
For Siddhartha, the meaning of life is not something that can be found or given by external sources, such as religious doctrines, teachers, or scriptures. Rather, it is something that can only be discovered by oneself, through one’s own inner voice and intuition. Siddhartha rejects the teachings of his father, the Brahmins, the Samanas, and even the Buddha, because he realizes that they cannot provide him with the ultimate truth or salvation. He says, “No one can help me to find it. No one can show me the right way. I must find it myself” (Hesse 2008, 31). Siddhartha also rejects the idea that there is a single or fixed path to enlightenment or happiness. Instead, he embraces the diversity and complexity of life, and learns from his own experiences and mistakes.
The Role of Suffering
Another common theme that existentialism and Siddhartha deal with is: what is the role of suffering in human existence? For existentialists, suffering is an inevitable and essential part of human condition. It stems from the fact that human beings are finite and mortal beings who are aware of their own limitations and mortality. It also arises from the fact that human beings are constantly faced with uncertainty, anxiety, and absurdity in a world that offers no clear answers or guarantees. As Camus wrote, “There is but one truly serious philosophical problem and that is suicide. Judging whether life is or is not worth living amounts to answering the fundamental question of philosophy” (Camus 1991, 3). Existentialists do not offer a solution or a consolation for suffering. Rather, they challenge human beings to confront their suffering honestly and courageously, and to find meaning and value in spite of it.
For Siddhartha, suffering is also an inevitable and essential part of human existence. It stems from the fact that human beings are bound by desire and attachment to impermanent things, such as wealth, pleasure, fame, or power. It also arises from the fact that human beings are ignorant of their true nature and potential as divine beings who are one with everything. As the Buddha taught, “The root of suffering is attachment” (Thera 2014). Siddhartha does offer a solution and a consolation for suffering. It is to overcome desire and attachment through detachment and compassion, and to attain enlightenment and self-realization through meditation and wisdom.
The Quest for Authenticity
A third theme that existentialism and Siddhartha share is: what does it mean to be authentic in one’s existence? For existentialists,
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