Existentialism -- Idle Ramblings -- Nothing To Do With The Bakken

Yesterday with eight hours or so non-stop in the truck hauling sugar beets, the driver and I had discussed a broad range of subjects. (The driver had started earlier in the day, and would put in a full 12 - 14 hours.)

Somehow we got unto Paul Tillach, a philosopher who I had read in college, but not since, and could not remember. But, of course that got me curious. A quick look at Paul Tillach/wikipedia brought me back to existentialism. Wiki:

The early 19th century philosopher Søren Kierkegaard is regarded as the father of existentialism. He maintained that the individual is solely responsible for giving his or her own life meaning and for living that life passionately and sincerely,in spite of many existential obstacles and distractions including despair, angst,absurdity, alienation, and boredom.

Subsequent existentialist philosophers retain the emphasis on the individual, but differ, in varying degrees, on how one achieves and what constitutes a fulfilling life, what obstacles must be overcome, and what external and internal factors are involved, including the potential consequences of the existence or non-existence of God.Existentialism became fashionable in the post-World War years as a way to reassert the importance of human individuality and freedom.

I think driving a truck for 14 hours would allow lots of time to reflect on those subjects. I really like that opening line: "...the individual is solely responsible for giving his or her own life meaning and for living life passionately and sincerely ..."

Wow, the things that come up in this part of the world.