Existence – Rollo May – 1958
Existence by Rollo May
Rollo May’s Existence, first published in 1958, undertakes a profound exploration of the human condition, framed by the burgeoning existentialist movement. The work grapples with the fundamental anxieties and possibilities inherent in being human, moving beyond traditional psychological approaches to emphasize the subjective experience of freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning. May draws upon philosophy, literature, and clinical practice to articulate a vision of existence characterized by both profound uncertainty and creative potential.
Historical / Cultural Context
Published in the aftermath of World War II and during the height of the Cold War, Existence reflects the prevalent anxieties of the era. The conventional structures of belief and morality had been shaken, prompting a widespread questioning of purpose and meaning. Existentialism, originating in the works of thinkers like Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Sartre, gained prominence as a philosophical response to these feelings of alienation and despair. May’s work is particularly significant for bringing existentialist thought into the realm of American psychology. He sought to move beyond purely mechanistic or deterministic views of human behavior, arguing that individuals are fundamentally free to create their own values and meanings, even in the face of absurdity. The book also appears amidst a shift within psychology itself, moving away from strict behavioralism toward humanistic approaches that emphasize subjective experience and personal growth.
Who This Book Is For
Existence is suited for readers interested in philosophical psychology, existentialism, and the exploration of the human condition. It is particularly relevant for those engaged in fields such as psychotherapy, counseling, and religious studies. While the book engages with complex philosophical concepts, May’s writing is relatively accessible, making it suitable for a general audience with an interest in these topics. It is a work that asks significant questions about what it means to be human, inviting readers to contemplate their own experiences of freedom, responsibility, and meaning.
Further Reading
- Sartre, Jean-Paul. Being and Nothingness (1943). A foundational text of existentialism, exploring concepts of freedom, responsibility, and bad faith.
- Kierkegaard, Søren. Fear and Trembling (1843). Explores the nature of faith and the subjective experience of religious belief.
- Frankl, Viktor. Man’s Search for Meaning (1946). A psychological exploration of finding meaning in suffering, drawing from Frankl’s experiences as a concentration camp survivor.
- Heidegger, Martin. Being and Time (1927). A seminal work in existential phenomenology, examining the question of being and the nature of human existence.
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