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Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) introduced various philosophical concepts to existentialism through his critiques of traditional values, morality, individualism, and more. He is considered a pioneer of existentialism since he lived a century before existentialism took popularity in WWII.

In his concept of "Will To Power", Nietzsche proposed that humans are driven by the desire for power over their environment in terms of strength, psychology, or social status. This will to power is seen as the driving force behind human creativity and achievement in various sectors of human nature. He believed that traditional morality and social norms were obstacles to the expression of the will to power.  He argues that individuals should reject these social expectations to pursue their own goals and values. This serves as the basis for his next concept of Individualism in which individuals prioritize personal growth and self-expression while rejecting traditional values and societal structures that were dominant in European society.

He also explored the human struggle with nihilism and the search for meaning and purpose in a seemingly meaningless world. His concept of "eternal recurrence" describes a hypothetical scenario in which an individual's thoughts and actions in a universe recur infinitely and endlessly. It is a test of the meaningfulness and value of our lives, knowing that we will experience it all over again and again.

https://iep.utm.edu/nietzsch/#H6

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Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and responsibility, as well as questioning the nature and "absurdity" of existence. The movement promoted individuals to create their own moral values and meanings in life, as there is no apparent purpose provided to us.

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Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980) constructed and contributed many concepts of existentialism through his various literary works. His publishings explored aspects of human nature and responsibility.

In his books titled "Being and Nothingness" and "Existentialism is a Humanism" he introduced themes such as existence precedes essence, freedom, and the nature of consciousness. He argued that human beings are condemned to be free and emphasized the importance of the individual's personal choices that shape their existence.

Sartre also established the concepts of authenticity and bad faith in existentialism. He highlighted the importance of living authentically by being true to one's own values, desires, and commitments. He argued that individuals often engaged in bad faith (state of self-deception) by evading their responsibilities and conforming to social expectations.

Sartre explored the existential "anguish" that arises from his awareness of human freedom and the confrontation with the absurdity of existence. He acknowledged the tension and anxiety that comes with the burden of making choices in an uncertain world without any predetermined meaning. This concept is demonstrated in one of his plays which depicts characters struggling with this existential anguish and the challenges which individuals face in finding the meaning of life.

https://iep.utm.edu/sartre-ex/

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Albert Camus (1913 - 1960) made significant contributions to the existentialist movement through his various literary works in the 1940s and 1950s. His most famous novel is "The Stranger" which discusses the human condition and the struggle to find purpose in an irrational world.

Camus developed the philosophy of absurdism, which examines the tension between the human search for meaning and the absurdity/irrationality of the world. He argued that life lacks inherent meaning or purpose and that the human desire for meaning in this chaotic world leads to a sense of absurdity. In his philosophical essay titled "The Myth of Sisyphus", he explores this concept as well as an individual's response to the absurdity.

Camus emphasized the need to confront the absurd condition and the existential crisis that it poses. He explored the philosophical and existential implications of the absurd through novels such as "The Stranger" and "The Plague". These works depict characters who try to grapple with the absurdity of existence and face the physiological challenges that it presents.

Camus emphasized the importance of moral responsibility and rebellion in an absurd world. He believed that individuals should rebel against injustice and oppression and maintain their moral values even when faced with seemingly meaningless circumstances. These themes are prominent in novels such as "The Fall" and "The Rebel".

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/camus/

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Humans are born and it is us to determine how we shape ourselves. That there is no preset essence we must follow that is set by god or society. We form our essence through how we live our life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaDvRdLMkHs

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Existentialism: Crash Course Philosophy #16

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Find meaning to the meaningless

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Existentialism originated from the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) who explored the themes of individuality and the nature of existence in his writings. Specifically, he emphasized the importance of personal choice and the responsibility of individuals.

https://socialsci.libretexts.org

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The term "existentialism" was first coined by a French philosopher and writer named Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980). Existentialism gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the aftermath of WWII due for a variety of reasons. For many people who lived in the horrors of war, it caused them to experience great suffering, loss, and disillusionment. The massacres of innocent people, the use of atomic weaponry, and the overarching government institutions made people question the meaning of life and the moral values of society.