What will I learn about: how modern behavioral science backs up the uplifting philosophy of Existentialism, proving that embracing human frailty leads to a happier life?

Discover how modern behavioral science backs up the uplifting philosophy of Existentialism, proving that embracing human frailty leads to a happier life.

What will I learn about: why your identity is fundamentally relational, and how finding new frameworks of meaning can anchor you in today's anxiety-inducing world?

Understand why your identity is fundamentally relational, and how finding new frameworks of meaning can anchor you in today's anxiety-inducing world.

What will I learn about: navigate 'the absurd'—the moment your life's narrative breaks down—by consciously building new frameworks rather than succumbing to depression?

Learn how to navigate 'the absurd'—the moment your life's narrative breaks down—by consciously building new frameworks rather than succumbing to depression.

What will I learn about: Recognize that your 'self' is simply an ongoing narrative made of the stories you tell yourself, giving you the ultimate power to rewrite your script?

Recognize that your 'self' is simply an ongoing narrative made of the stories you tell yourself, giving you the ultimate power to rewrite your script.

What will I learn about: the art of embracing your own internal contradictions so you can overcome limiting beliefs and consciously shape the fulfilling life you desire?

Master the art of embracing your own internal contradictions so you can overcome limiting beliefs and consciously shape the fulfilling life you desire.

Start Making Sense

How Existential Psychology Can Help Us Build Meaningful Lives in Absurd Times

Steven J Heine

★ 4.3 / 5(4 ratings)

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Categories:

Psychology Mindfulness & Happiness Personal Development Philosophy

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

💡Have you ever wondered why the human brain is hardwired to seek meaning, and what happens to our well-being when that sense of purpose starts to slip away?
💡What if you could navigate today’s most unsettling times with a clear sense of direction, using the same psychological insights that have guided humanity for centuries?
💡Are you curious about how our individual quest for a meaningful life actually dictates the way our entire political and social world functions?

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Key Takeaways from Start Making Sense

✓Discover how modern behavioral science backs up the uplifting philosophy of Existentialism, proving that embracing human frailty leads to a happier life.
✓Understand why your identity is fundamentally relational, and how finding new frameworks of meaning can anchor you in today's anxiety-inducing world.
✓Learn how to navigate 'the absurd'—the moment your life's narrative breaks down—by consciously building new frameworks rather than succumbing to depression.
✓Recognize that your 'self' is simply an ongoing narrative made of the stories you tell yourself, giving you the ultimate power to rewrite your script.
✓Master the art of embracing your own internal contradictions so you can overcome limiting beliefs and consciously shape the fulfilling life you desire.

Learning Tools

Reinforce what you learned from Start Making Sense

Mind Map

Start Making Sense

Existentialism & Psychology+

Identity & Meaning+

The Power of Stories+

The Trap of Familiarity+

Radical Responsibility+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 7

What misconception about Existentialism does the text aim to correct?

A. It is primarily a political movement rather than a philosophical one.
B. It is a grim, dark, and dour philosophy focused on alienation.
C. It relies heavily on religious frameworks to find meaning in a chaotic world.
D. It focuses on what the world 'ought to be' rather than what it actually is.

Question 2 of 7

According to the text, how do humans primarily understand who they are?

A. Through objective, isolated self-reflection.
B. By rejecting the cultural norms of their upbringing.
C. In relation to others and their cultural frames of reference.
D. Through their innate, biological instincts.

Question 3 of 7

In the context of Albert Camus's philosophy, when do humans experience 'the absurd'?

A. When the stories they use to understand the world break down due to uncontrollable circumstances.
B. When they act in ways that are deliberately contradictory to their stated personal values.
C. When they refuse to acknowledge the scientific realities of the universe.
D. When they rely too heavily on the opinions of others to form their identity.

Question 4 of 7

How does the text explain the phenomenon of people supporting policies or systems that actively oppress them?

A. They lack the intellectual capacity to understand the consequences of the policies.
B. They are inherently self-destructive and subconsciously seek out negative experiences.
C. They cling to deeply familiar beliefs because those beliefs have historically made order out of a chaotic world.
D. They are easily manipulated by algorithmic fragmentations on modern social media.

Question 5 of 7

What does the historical shift from Ptolemy’s to Copernicus’s view of the universe illustrate about human psychology?

A. Humans are quick to discard old stories when presented with new, undeniable facts.
B. People often warp or distort new evidence to make it fit their existing worldview.
C. Scientific progress is immune to the psychological biases that affect everyday decision-making.
D. Children and adults process new information in fundamentally different ways.

Question 6 of 7

What is described as a 'rock bottom existentialist idea' championed by Jean Paul Sartre?

A. Humans must accept that the universe dictates our ultimate purpose.
B. True freedom requires disconnecting entirely from societal expectations.
C. We are fundamentally victims of the chaotic circumstances into which we are born.
D. Even though we didn't choose to be born, we are entirely responsible for our choices.

Question 7 of 7

What purpose does the character of Mersault from Camus' novel 'The Stranger' serve in the context of this book?

A. A cautionary tale of what happens when a person tries to forgo the idea of meaning altogether.
B. An ideal example of how to live freely by fully embracing the absurd.
C. A representation of the ultimate existential hero who successfully rejects societal norms.
D. A psychological profile of someone who successfully adapts to a new frame of reference.