Existential philosophy is often said to be summarised in just three words, “Existence precedes essence” It’s the idea that the world has no inherent meaning, and we as individuals are not born with a purpose. We are free of the dogma of being told what to believe or how to act. Instead, we can choose that for ourselves.

Jean-Paul Sartre once illuminated this concept, asserting, "Man first of all exists, encounters himself, surges up in the world – and defines himself afterwards." Or as Simone de Beauvoir put it: “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman“

"Existential Glee / Existential Dread." Might be a two minute little punk song but it packs quite a lot into it.

It's about waking up and finding a weight lifted. Recognising the lack of meaning in the world and feeling free to do absolutely anything. Any victories or setbacks I have along the way will ultimately not matter and that is utterly liberating.

I meet a band. (It’s The Ology's, more about them below). Their music is Joyous AF. The way they are on stage just spreads that Joy around the room, it’s amazing to watch, inspiring as a musician and performer to see and I wonder if having caught their joyful bug I can continue to spread it.

This new hedonistic perspective is making me see the world differently. Where I was once overwhelmed by its chaos I notice that I’m starting to see that when zoomed in, past the noise, it’s beautiful, symmetrical, almost dare I say it... meaningful?

And with this new responsibility to share joy and the new understanding of the world as meaningful and beautiful, the joy and liberation of the existential message comes crumbling down. Having no meaning or purpose doesn’t make me free, it enslaves me to constantly create meaning and purpose for myself, “No one can tell me what to do” sounds so great until I realise now the responsibility is on me. I Guess it's time to scream DREAD over and over until the peace and quiet comes back.