Existentialism is a philosophical school of thought that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice.
A Note of Gratitude
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my daughter, Vidhi, for sharing a deeply personal and thoughtful WhatsApp conversation she had with her friend. Her intention was not only to explore the complex world of existentialism but also to uncover insights that resonate with the curiosity and struggles of today’s generation. This article is an attempt to honor that conversation—with all its sincerity, humor, and intellectual depth.
“We’re all just bundles of charged particles fighting for temporary territory.” That’s how a recent conversation between two Gen Zers—Vidhi and Jovie—began. What followed was an emotionally rich, deeply introspective, and surprisingly humorous journey into the core of existentialism—the philosophy that explores the meaning (or lack thereof) of life.
Unlike dusty academic treatises, this wasn’t a debate in a lecture hall. It was a casual WhatsApp exchange—raw, real, and full of heart. And it reveals how the younger generation is processing existentialism in their own fresh, relatable way.
What is Existentialism, Really?
Existentialism is a philosophical school of thought that focuses on individual existence, freedom, and choice. It asks the hard questions: Why are we here? What’s the point? Does life have inherent meaning—or do we give it meaning ourselves?
For decades, philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Søren Kierkegaard debated these ideas. But today, Gen Z is bringing existentialism into group chats and coffee shop conversations, adding their own flavor to the mix.
The “Temporary Territory” of Being Alive
Vidhi kicked things off by calling life “a fight for temporary territory.” She questioned our constant striving—cars, houses, travel goals. Is any of it meaningful?
“What is life anyway? A series of inconsequential experiences… So it’s no better than sitting on your couch and watching TV.”
This strikes a chord in an age obsessed with hustle culture. Is the pursuit of material success fulfilling—or is it just noise distracting us from deeper questions?
Butterfly Effects & Everyday Consequences
Jovie countered Vidhi’s point with a powerful truth:
“If the butterfly effect is real, no action is inconsequential.”
To Gen Z, this isn’t just poetic. It’s practical. They see the ripple effects of every decision, every click, every shared story. They understand that legacy might not mean having your name in history books—but influencing even 10 lives deeply? That matters.
Salvation, Spirituality, and the “Rat Race to Nowhere”
The conversation took a spiritual turn—discussing karma, rebirth, and the idea that Earth might be a sort of spiritual “detention center” for misbehaving souls.
Jovie joked: “Life on earth is punishment, death is a reward?” Vidhi responded with honesty: “Yes.”
Yet, both expressed doubts. They questioned whether any final “purpose” exists—and what it even means to live meaningfully. Is it success? Is it peace? Or simply learning to feel and be?
Key Insight for Searchers: “What is the meaning of life according to Gen Z?”
A growing number say: maybe there isn’t one—and that’s okay.
Zoom Out or Zoom In? The Existential Dilemma
One of the most compelling lines from Vidhi:
“I try to zoom out, and it gets painful. Maybe I should zoom in instead.”
That’s existentialism in a nutshell: should we think about the vast, cosmic pointlessness of everything? Or should we find comfort in the present moment—the taste of coffee, a walk in the park, a good conversation?
Jovie offered a gentle nudge:
“Zoom in and just feel.”
The Real Battle: Science vs Spirituality?
The chat dove into a debate as old as time—science vs spirituality.
Vidhi criticized the arrogance of some scientists who claim certainty in a world so uncertain. She felt that science hasn’t yet reached where spirituality begins. Jovie, ever the rationalist, emphasized science’s beauty: its willingness to admit it doesn’t have all the answers.
Vidhi: “Most scientists are morbidly logical.”
Jovie: “Science boldly says ‘I don’t know.’ That’s humility, not arrogance.”
Their conversation was respectful, curious, and wonderfully nuanced. And it highlights something powerful about Gen Z: they’re not interested in absolute truths. They’re interested in honest dialogue.
Why Gen Z’s Take on Existentialism Matters
This generation isn’t afraid to sit with uncomfortable truths. They aren’t satisfied with pre-packaged answers from religion or textbooks. They want to explore, feel, question—and yes, sometimes laugh at the absurdity of it all.
They’re building a new kind of legacy—not one etched in stone, but one made of shared thoughts, texts, memes, and vulnerable midnight chats.
“You will not know who remembers who didn’t. Who cried, who didn’t. Who gives a shit 😂”
In that laugh, that shrug, that deep yet lighthearted moment—they may have found more meaning than any philosopher ever did.
Final Thought: Schrödinger’s Point
Vidhi summarized it beautifully with a line that deserves to trend:
“The point that doesn’t matter. Never will. But somehow it does right now. Schrödinger’s point.”
It’s both absurd and profound. That something can matter only because we’re observing it. A modern spin on the famous paradox of the cat that’s both alive and dead.
CONCLUSIVELY – What Does Gen Z Think About Existentialism?
- They question materialism and legacy.
- They embrace paradoxes—something can matter and not matter at the same time.
- They’re spiritual, scientific, and skeptical—all at once.
- They live in the moment, not for grand meaning.
- They don’t pretend to know—and they don’t expect others to, either.
In a Nutshell
Q: What is existentialism according to Gen Z?
A: Gen Z sees existentialism as a lens to explore life’s meaning beyond materialism. They often believe life may not have an inherent purpose but focus instead on living authentically, embracing curiosity, and finding value in human connection and present moments.
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