Existential Salon

The existential givens (or ultimate concerns) are foundational concepts in existential philosophy and existential psychotherapy, particularly as outlined by thinkers like Irvin D. Yalom, Rollo May, Viktor Frankl, and Jean-Paul Sartre. These givens are core aspects of human existence that each person must confront.

Here are the five main existential givens:

1. Death –
   The inevitability of death and the awareness of mortality. It brings anxiety but also the potential for meaning and urgency in life.
2. Freedom –
   We are free to make choices and are therefore responsible for our actions. This freedom can feel liberating but also burdensome, as it places responsibility squarely on the individual.
3. Isolation –
   No matter how close we are to others, we are ultimately alone in our inner experience. Existential isolation is deeper than social or interpersonal loneliness.
4. Meaninglessness –
   Life has no inherent meaning. We are tasked with creating our own meaning, which can lead to existential anxiety or despair if not addressed consciously.
5. Responsibility (sometimes included separately) –
   Though often folded into freedom, responsibility refers to the weight of owning our choices, actions, and the consequences of constructing meaning in our lives.

Some theorists also include:
6. Identity or Authenticity –
The struggle to be true to oneself, often in the face of societal expectations or internalized roles.

These givens are not problems to be solved but realities to be faced and integrated into a meaningful life. Confronting them can lead to existential growth, resilience, and deeper authenticity.