Philosophies of Life:
Most notably, Noel and Jane exhibit two examples of philosophies a person can behold during their lifetime–nihilism (Noel) and existentialism (Jane). Even still, all of the characters regardless of what they may particularly believe in are exploring ideas of existentialism, focusing on their own individual existences and the meanings of them.
The main idea of existentialism pertains to an individual’s responsibility to create their own meaning of life, and that there are no intrinsic ways to live. We have the free will to create our own purpose. This is an exciting, yet still frightening thought, as it is entirely possible to feel lost and unsure of what to do with one’s life. Existentialist thought, even if the term existentialism was not coined until the mid-1940’s, can be traced back to the time of Socrates: “only by critically reflecting on our own beliefs, desires, values, and actions, and thus on our own lives, can we discover the difference between apparent goods and the true good. Socrates thus famously issued the directive to “know thyself,”” (Gosetti-Fereneci). Since, existentialism has continued to evolve into living authentically as well as to create a life of meaning especially in times after mass destruction, such as World War II. Jean-Paul Sartre’s work and philosophies are considered to be existentialist (even if he did not at first embrace this), as he vouches for existence to precede essence, that our existence and what we make of it are not predetermined, nor are our natures.
Nihilists on the other hand believe that our world simply exists and there exists no inherent goodness or badness, therefore it is not up to us to create meaning for our lives, and there are no meanings to follow that are already established. They are not as different from existentialists as are often painted to be, and they encourage to make of life what you will because we all have the same inevitable end of death. Nihilism is most often associated with philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, as well as the writer Albert Camus. His novel The Stranger explores nihilistic and absurdist ideas, but also worked to bridge the gap between nihilists and existentialists by posing the question of if life is worth living, and that even if we can’t find a meaning to our lives, they are still worth living because we are right here, right now, and there is so much that can be enjoyed rather than giving into despair.
Questions to consider:
All of the characters in Ride the Cyclone, one way or another, are justifying the meanings of their lives especially due to the possibility that they may get to live them again. Which of these characters have a bit more of a difficult time trying to do so, and why? Which of these philosophies, if any, would you consider your character to believe in and what from the script can you draw from or make inferences to support this?
What were some of the things that kept your characters going while they were alive? What was important to them? What brought them joy? Did they create meaning in their lifetime and if so, what did they find to be the meaning of living and their existence? If not, why not? What was important to them even still?
Sources:
Abbagnano, Nicola. “Historical Survey of Existentialism.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., Last updated 21 Nov. 2024, www.britannica.com/topic/existentialism/Historical-survey-of-existentialism.
“Albert Camus on Suicide, Absurdity, and the Meaning of Life.” Big Think, 20 Mar. 2023, bigthink.com/personal-growth/the-meaning-of-life-albert-camus-on-faith-suicide-and-absurdity/.
Becker, Nicole. “Existentialism & Nihilism: What’s the Difference?” The Collector, 8 Nov. 2023, www.thecollector.com/difference-between-existentialism-and-nihilism/.
Gertz, Nolen. “What Nihilism Is Not.” The MIT Press Reader, 16 Aug. 2024, thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/what-nihilism-is-not/.
Gosetti-Ferencei, Jennifer Anna, 'Historical Roots of Existentialism', On Being and Becoming: An Existentialist Approach to Life, GUIDES TO THE GOOD LIFE SERIES (New York, 2021; online edn, Oxford Academic, 22 Oct. 2020), https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780190913656.003.0004, accessed 10 Dec. 2024.