The Existential Imperative

What are important freedoms, and what are the§conditions for their exercise? The influence of§society has a profound impact on one s ability to§execute a distinct pattern of existence. Though§certain outward circumstances make liberty possible,§there are also internal enabling conditions.§Authenticity is the freedom to constitute an inward§principle of organization, one that articulates a§measured valuation of and for the self. Yet,§authenticity requires an awareness of one s§responsibility for freedom, as well as the§recognition that self-expression is meaningful only§in a social context. Consequently, the established§and inherited patterns of communal value are at odds§with one s capacity for original self-definition.§This book examines the problem that occurs when the§enabling conditions for freedom are themselves§obstacles to authenticity. It argues that§self-overcoming is the necessary spiritual resource§for the material production of an authentic self.§Those who are interested in Nietzsche, structural§oppression as a limiting or constricting factor, and§the African-American example of struggle and§overcoming will find this work especially helpful.