Foundational Existential Thinkers: Early Reflections on Freedom, Existence, and Meaning (2 in 1)

Kierkegaard - Søren Kierkegaard, often regarded as the father of existentialism, was born on May 5, 1813, in Copenhagen, Denmark. His early life was marked by tragedy, as his mother died when he was just a child, and his father, a deeply religious man, instilled in him a sense of guilt and the weight of existential questioning. Kierkegaard’s relationship with his father deeply influenced his philosophical development, particularly in his exploration of faith, despair, and the individual's relationship with God.

Jean-Paul Sartre - Jean-Paul Sartre, a towering figure in 20th-century philosophy, is perhaps best known for his development of existentialism, a school of thought that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and the creation of meaning in an otherwise indifferent universe. Sartre’s philosophy arises from the existentialist tradition but distinguishes itself through its rigorous approach to human freedom and responsibility. At the heart of Sartre's thought is the idea that human beings are condemned to be free, burdened with the constant task of making choices without any external justification or predetermined essence.