In my History and Development of Theatre class on Monday, we started discussing the Existentialism movement in theatre. The movement is finding out the meaning of existence and grows out of response to the Second World War. However, from what I understand, the premise behind it is that its supporters felt that this meaning could not be found in religion or government because these institutions failed humanity during the war. As a result, each individual had to discover his or her own unique meaning to life.
While home teaching last night, I found a parallel between the Existentialism supporters and President Monson?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s First Presidency Message on finding peace. In part of the message, he stated:
The consequences of conflict are so devastating that we yearn for guidance?¢‚Ǩ‚Äùeven a way to ensure our success as we seek the path to peace. What is the way to obtain such a universal blessing? Are there prerequisites?¢‚Ǩ¬¶May I suggest three ideas to prompt our thinking and guide our footsteps: search inward?¢‚Ǩ¬¶?
He then goes on to talk about searching inward and the merits of self-evaluation. While his message revolves around peace for our soul searching and the existentialists promote soul searching for finding meaning in life, the two purposes are closely linked. Life is about finding peace. It?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s about finding peace with one?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s self, peace with others and peace with deity.
I fully support and encourage the idea of looking inside one?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s self?¢‚Ǩ‚Äùwhether to find peace or to find meaning in life?¢‚Ǩ‚Äùbecause the further one goes within, the closer one comes to God.
