Existential literature is a genre of literature that explores the human condition and search for meaning and purpose in a world that often seems meaningless. This genre emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries as a response to the rapidly changing world brought about by industrialization, world wars, and the loss of religious faith. Existential writers sought to examine the basic questions of human existence such as what it means to be human, what is the purpose of life, and what happens after death. They explored themes such as freedom, responsibility, and The Search for Meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.

Existentialism emphasizes the individual’s freedom and choice to create meaning in their own life. It is a philosophy that asserts that life and the universe are inherently meaningless: Human beings must create their own meaning through their actions and decisions.

One of the most famous and influential existential writers is the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. Kierkegaard believed that the meaning of life is found in the individual’s personal relationship with God, and that human beings must make a conscious choice to seek this meaning. He also believed that individuals must take personal responsibility for their own lives, and that the choices they make will determine their fate.