Peter Wessel Zapffe was a Norwegian philosopher and writer who lived from 1899 to 1990. He is best known for his work in the field of existentialism, which emphasized the absurdity and futility of human existence. Zapffe’s existentialism was deeply influenced by the works of Friedrich Nietzsche and Søren Kierkegaard, and he developed his own unique philosophy of human existence.
At the core of Zapffe’s existentialism was the belief that humans are fundamentally different from other animals in their ability to reflect on their own existence. This reflection, however, ultimately leads to a sense of despair and alienation, as humans come to realize that their existence is inherently meaningless and absurd. Zapffe believed that humans are caught in a paradoxical situation, in which they are both too conscious of their own existence and too powerless to do anything about it.
Zapffe argued that humans use various mechanisms to cope with the overwhelming sense of despair and futility that arises from their reflection on their own existence. He identified four main mechanisms that humans use to cope: isolation, anchoring, distraction, and sublimation.
Isolation involves separating oneself from the realities of existence, by retreating into one’s own thoughts or focusing on trivial matters. Anchoring involves finding something outside oneself to attach meaning to, such as religion, philosophy, or social norms. Distraction involves engaging in activities that take one’s mind off the realities of existence, such as entertainment, work, or hobbies. Sublimation involves channeling one’s existential anxiety into creative or productive pursuits, such as art, science, or political activism.
While Zapffe recognized that these coping mechanisms may provide temporary relief from the despair and futility of existence, he ultimately saw them as futile and even dangerous. He argued that they only serve to perpetuate the illusion of meaning and purpose, and prevent humans from confronting the reality of their own existence.
Zapffe’s existentialism also emphasized the importance of recognizing the absurdity and futility of human existence, and embracing it as a fundamental aspect of human life. He argued that only by fully accepting the reality of our own mortality and the ultimate futility of our existence can we hope to live authentically and find meaning in our lives.
One of Zapffe’s most famous works, “The Last Messiah,” is a powerful critique of human existence and the coping mechanisms that humans use to avoid confronting the reality of their own mortality. In the essay, Zapffe argues that the only solution to the absurdity and futility of human existence is to embrace it fully, and to accept that there is no higher meaning or purpose to our lives.
Zapffe’s existentialism was not without its critics, who saw his emphasis on the absurdity and futility of human existence as nihilistic and pessimistic. However, he remained committed to his belief in the importance of confronting the realities of human existence and rejecting the illusions of meaning and purpose that humans use to avoid the despair and futility of their lives.
In conclusion, Peter Wessel Zapffe’s existentialism was characterized by his belief in the absurdity and futility of human existence, and his emphasis on the coping mechanisms that humans use to avoid confronting this reality. He argued that only by fully accepting the reality of our own mortality and the ultimate futility of our existence can we hope to live authentically and find meaning in our lives. Zapffe’s existentialism remains an important and influential perspective on the human condition, and his work continues to inspire new generations of thinkers and writers.