to explain the basic concepts (or dilemmas) of existentialism, i present to you songs that succinctly explain each of 6 facts we must face.
1. The Flaming Lips- Do You Realize??
Dilemma: capacity for self awareness
I realize, therefor I am. This is the foundation. Because we are aware, we are faced with choices in life that determine our own happiness, meaning, relationships, etc. Doing nothing is a choice, btw.
2. Bonnie 'Prince' Billy-Death to Every One
Dilemma: awareness of death
"i'm not afraid to die, cos life is long and it's tremendous and we're glad that you're here with us and since we know an end will come it makes our living fun"
3. Built to Spill- Randy Described Eternity
Dilemma:Search for Meaning
Human's natural state is a constant search for meaning in a random world. Order must be found amongst chaos. And this pretty much explains the whole science, math, and religion thing we got going.
4. Grandaddy- Miner at the Dial-a-view
Dilemma: Alienation and a Need for Connectedness
"There is a paradox in the position that humans are both alone and related,
this paradox decribes the human condition. To think that we can cure this condition
or that it should be cured is erroneous"
-Gerlad Corey
5. Kiss Rock and Roll All Nite
Dilemma: freedom vs. responsibility
I really do not need to explain this one.
6. Every Band Ever- Every Song Ever
Dilemma: Anxiety as a Condition of Living
Keep living, dammit.
-JW
Brother. Excellent post. But I must direct you to the indelible words of Neal Peart: "You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice. If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice. You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill. I will choose a path that's clear. I will choose freewill."
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