Karl Jaspers’ “boundary situations” (Grenzsituationen) are inescapable, extreme life experiences like death, suffering, guilt, and struggle/chance, which shatter everyday reality … More
Tag: Authenticity
“Always go too far, because that’s where you’ll find the truth”–Camus
For Albert Camus, “extreme truth” means confronting life’s inherent meaninglessness (the Absurd) by pushing beyond comfort, convention, and societal illusions, … More
Many Ways to Live a Life — All Ways are Valid
Each of us has no choice but to live the lives we think are worthwhile, and in the end there … More
7 Dangerous Places That Destroy Your True Self – Alan Watts
Do you ever feel exhausted, anxious, or hollow, without knowing why? This video reveals that the problem isn’t you—it’s the … More
Losing Ourselves to “The They”: Heidegger’s Warning to the Modern Mind
Heidegger’s Being and Time unveils a quiet tragedy of modern life — our surrender of authentic existence to what he calls “the They.” In our average, everyday way of living, we speak, think, and act as others do, letting social norms and public opinion define who we are. This conformity numbs our individuality and hides the deeper question of Being itself. The comfort of belonging replaces the courage to be. To live authentically, Heidegger urges, one must awaken from this anonymous existence and face one’s own finite self — not as “they” live, but as I truly am.
Drop that Mask – Know and Tell!
Professor Seshan Ramaswami reflects on how students reveal their authentic selves in pre-course introductions but often hide behind masks once classes begin. He urges students—and faculty alike—to drop these facades, embrace vulnerability, and connect genuinely. College years, he reminds us, are the best time to discover who we are and to express that openly. By daring to share experiences, strike up conversations, and engage with strangers, we not only learn more about others but also uncover hidden truths about ourselves—ultimately leading to confidence, connection, and a richer, more meaningful life.
The Pretense
“All of us are pretending.”
Authenticity
“Nothing makes you inauthentic as much as wanting to be loved or esteemed by others.”–D. Samarender Reddy
Authentic Living
The more I study people who are single at heart, the more I think that at the core of their … More
How Do We Create a More Compassionate World?
New research shows the importance of authenticity in fostering compassion. Today’s world seems short of compassion. When there are racially … More
Know Thyself 