By definition, "Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes individual existence, freedom and choice. It is the view that humans define their own meaning in life, and try to make rational decisions despite existing in an irrational universe."

Whether we realize it or not, Red Pillers are all existentialists.

We have accepted the fact that the world, the universe, is not rational. Things are not the way they should be. They are not ideal. They are not perfect. They don't even make sense. Yet, we have observed reality, accepted it as truth, and learned to make rational decisions in our own best interest using the knowledge we've gained.

There are some core concepts to this belief system, all of which closely coincide to RP teachings. There's some things we can learn as well.

Existence precedes Essence.

What you make yourself into matters more than what you were born with. Your genes, your parents, your upbringing, your history, matter far less than what you choose to do with the cards you were dealt.

Authenticity.

In Existentialist thinking, this is the concept that everyone has the opportunity to "make themselves" and live according to this "self". What that means is that your actions should follow the "self" you have created, the path you have chosen. Your actions do not need to follow what your genes dictate, it doesn't have to follow what your upbringing dictates, it doesn't have to follow your past actions. All that matters is that you're authentic to your self, the self you have decided to be.

What I hope you take away is that the world is absurd, it's not logical, and it's our responsibility to observe reality and bend it to our will.

To be born a certain way, to be a "natural", does not mean "authentic". We have the ability to choose who we are, and we can change ourselves to fit our goals. We can adapt. To stick in a rut, to follow the same actions and thinking, is not to hold true to ourselves, it is to deny ourselves for the sake of consistency.

Recognize the world for what it is.

Use it to your advantage.

Change yourself if necessary. Act in accordance with yourself, not what you "should" do, not what your genes want, not what you've done in the past.

There is no higher achievement than to use your freedom to choose your own path and define yourself. Make the right choice.