Existentialism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Existentialism - Essay Example Tragic Sense of Life by Miguel de Unamuno is a philosophical work that borders on the doctrines of existentialism. The author believes the philosophy of life should be based on the experiences of a person. This suggests there is a need to cultivate one’s personality and character as espoused in the writings. On that account, the author considers himself a man of contradiction because while he values the sense of individuality, he also supports the existence of God. This is in support of the creation theory and the primitivism of man to rely on a nature and consciousness (Unamuno 159). Additionally, he views himself as a man of contradiction because he supports both aspects of individuality and religious fanaticism towards a deity called God. Therefore, the contradictory, opposing elements in this case entail indoctrination of man toward nature and alienation toward God. Furthermore, it is important to prove the existence of God if one has to understand the being of God. Those philosophical elements are contradictory in terms of disputing the existence of God and the use of faith and reason to evaluate matters. There are also many rational reasons why he feels the opposition is the source of his life’s unity. For example, the unity of man emanates for the deep belief in a god that is in control of both humanity and nature (Unamuno 158). Similarly, there are guiding principles of faith and the reason that influence the choice of an individual in terms domination over personality and character. That is why it is a paradox that Miguel de Unamuno has total belief in the intricacies of the universe. In the same context, the paradoxical contradiction is because the divinity of man and human consciousness is not in harmony with nature. Alternatively, the feelings of God and external consciousness conflicts with the moral logic of a common man in terms of sustenance. The statement ‘we think because we live’ has several meanings according to th e context it is used the book. First, he begins by castigating the primitive man for overreliance in the forces that surround him such as nature and other fellow men. This suggests that both animate and inanimate things appeals to man without any reason or faith in the choice. That is why according to Miguel, humanity structures their lives depending on the given existence (Unamuno 152). Alternatively, the possession of the consciousness of nature ensures man does not break away from the confines of nature. In other words, divinity is not associated with rationale because there are objective and subjective point of views. This suggests that the decisions of man in the universe are guided by a supernatural being with divine powers. In other words, the thoughts and existence of man are controlled by one God. That is why ‘we think because we live.’ There are various relationships between theory, and practice (the practice of living) and it relates to action. In terms of th eory, there is the inherent attachment of the primitive man to both nature and fellow human being. On the other hand, in practice, man still possesses the consciousnesses of faith rather reason in the belief of a deity who is in control of the universe. This means the acceptance of a divinity is paramount in order to accept the infinite powers of God. Another fundamental relationship involves the humanization of God in order to counter paganism (Unamuno 161). In other words, it helps in