If existential questions are keeping you up all night, we have more. Dive into our mega-list to explore life’s mysteries and spark personal growth.
You know those nights when you’re just lying there, staring at the ceiling, and out of nowhere, the big questions start rolling in? Like, “Why are we here?” or “Does anything actually matter?” One minute you’re thinking about what to eat tomorrow, and the next, you’re questioning the entire universe. If that sounds familiar, then you know how existential questions have a way of creeping up when you least expect them.
These are the thoughts that sneak up on you at 2 a.m., the ones that philosophers have been debating forever, and, let’s be honest, the kind that can send you into a mental spiral if you’re not careful.
Asking existential questions isn’t weird. It’s just part of being human. Whether they hit you in the middle of a deep convo with a friend or during a random episode of your favorite show, they’re worth exploring. So, let’s do exactly that. [Read: 40 Very deep questions to ask someone before you get close to them]
The Psychology Behind These Questions
Before we get into the endless list of existential questions that will have you questioning everything, let’s take a step back and look at why we even ask them in the first place. What is it about human nature that makes us wonder about life, purpose, and reality?
1. Cognitive Dissonance Theory
Let’s start with Cognitive Dissonance Theory, which explains why we get uncomfortable when we hold two conflicting beliefs at the same time. Our brains like consistency, so when something doesn’t quite add up—like believing in free will but also thinking everything is predetermined—it creates tension.
That tension pushes us to question things, leading straight to existential questions. It’s basically your brain’s way of saying, “Wait, this doesn’t make sense. Let’s figure it out.”
2. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Next on the stage is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Remember the pyramid diagram from your Psych 101 class? At the base, you’ve got basic needs like food and shelter, and as you go up, the needs get all fancy.
Right at the top, we have self-actualization, which is a fancy way of saying “becoming the best version of you.” [Read: 28 Self-improvement secrets to improve yourself and transform into your best self]
Now, questions on existentialism often come up when we’re at or near this self-actualization stage. It’s like your psyche nudging you, saying, “You’re almost there, buddy! But have you figured out your purpose yet?”
3. Terror Management Theory
Last but not least, let’s talk about the dark horse of psychology— the Terror Management Theory. This idea is rooted in the concept that a lot of human behavior is driven by our fear of mortality.
Yikes, right? But hang on, it’s not as gloomy as it sounds. This fear often nudges us to explore existential questions because our minds are trying to create a legacy, something that’ll outlast us. [Read: Fear of losing someone you love – why you feel it and ways to get over it]
A List of Existential Questions to Blow Your Mind
Let’s zoom through a list of existential questions that could either blow your mind or give you some top-tier conversation topics for your next get-together. [Read: 100 Fun and deep questions to ask your best friend and bond like real BFFs]
1. Why Are We Here?
Ah, the classic opener in the existential questions playbook. Are we here by cosmic chance or is there some grand design? Philosophers and scholars have been wrestling with this one for ages, and let’s be honest, so have you. Every. Single. Night.
2. What is the Meaning of Life?
Move over, ‘chicken or the egg’ debate, this question takes the cake for leaving us all scratching our heads. Is the meaning of life a universal truth or is it something we each define for ourselves?
3. Do We Have Free Will?
Now, here’s a brain-tickler. Are we the captains of our own ship, steering through life’s storms? Or are we just puppets on a string, with fate pulling all the controls? [Read: 65 Open-ended deep questions to ask a girl and get her to seriously open up]
Questions on existentialism often dance around this topic because, well, who doesn’t want to feel in control?
4. Is Morality Subjective?
You know those debates you have with your friends about whether something is “right” or “wrong”? Well, this question digs into the core of that. Is morality a universal standard, or is it as flexible as your weekend plans?
5. What is the Nature of Reality?
Put down that VR headset for a sec. Are we living in a concrete world that follows the laws of physics, or could all this be a complex simulation? Matrix fans, where are you? [Read: 108 Casual-yet-deep questions to ask a guy to get to know him in minutes!]
6. Is Time an Illusion?
Speaking of the Matrix, let’s talk about time. Is it a linear path from birth to death, or is it just a human-made construct? The concept of time is a hotbed for existential questions, and don’t even get us started on time travel theories.
7. Is Happiness the End Goal?
We all chase happiness like it’s some sort of finish line. But is happiness really the ultimate goal, or is there something deeper we should aim for? Contentment, maybe? A sense of purpose?
Cue in beliefs like Stoicism and Hedonism *among a myriad of other principles and philosophies*— one advocates for inner peace and resilience, while the other seeks pleasure and enjoyment. Which one is truly fulfilling?
8. Is Love an Illusion?
Love makes the world go round, but is it a real, tangible thing or just a bunch of hormones and social constructs messing with our heads?
Millions of novels have been written about it, and many have attempted to decode its mysteries. But really, what do these stories all boil down to?
Is love an eternal truth, or just an elaborate illusion designed to ensure the survival of our species? [Read: Does true love exist? 21 signs to recognize it and make you a believer]
9. What Happens After Death?
No existential questions list would be complete without pondering the great beyond. Is there life after death, an eternal void, or do we hit the ‘restart’ button and come back as a particularly athletic ant?
10. Are We Alone in the Universe?
Ah yes, the question that has you staring at the stars— or searching Google for the latest UFO sightings. Are we the sole tenants in this vast cosmic apartment, or do we have some intergalactic neighbors we haven’t met yet?
11. Is Reality Objective or Subjective?
Here’s one to make you squint: Do we all experience reality in the same way, or is it a personalized show based on our own beliefs, perceptions, and Instagram filters? [Read: 54 Deep, intimate questions to ask your girlfriend and make her feel understood]
12. Does Fate Exist?
Do the stars align to map out our lives, or is that just astrological mumbo jumbo? Looking back, did everything really happen for a reason?
Are all endings also beginnings that we don’t know at the time yet like what Mitch Albom said, or is everything a product of a chain reaction of events and decisions? And if fate is a thing, who gets to decide? Time to reconsider those horoscope apps maybe?
13. What is Truth?
And can it be stretched, twisted, or manipulated? Is truth universal or can it be, dare we say, “alternative”?
14. What is Consciousness?
Is it simply neurons firing off in your brain, or is it something more— something that could exist outside the body? Philosophers and neuroscientists can’t quite agree, so good luck with this one. [Read: Deep questions to ask your best friend’s boyfriend and read his mind]
15. Do We Have Souls?
And if we do, where do they go after we die? Reincarnation, Heaven, Hell, or just a cosmic recycling bin?
16. What Constitutes a Good Life?
Is it wealth, health, love, or a well-curated Spotify playlist? We all have our metrics.
17. Is Suffering Necessary?
Some argue that you can’t experience the highs without the lows. Is suffering essential for growth, or is that just a platitude to make us feel better? [Read: Millennial burnout – are you suffering from wanting to do too much?]
18. What is Beauty?
Is beauty a universal constant admired by all, or is it in the eye of the beholder—and their social media followers?
19. Is Knowledge Power?
We hear it all the time, but is knowledge truly the key to influence and authority, or is it something else—like charisma or maybe a killer smile?
20. Do We Live in a Multiverse?
One universe is already too much to handle. Are there parallel universes where you’re reading this list, but with different existential questions? [Read: 40 Very deep questions to ask someone before you get close to them]
21. What is the Role of Government?
A slightly less cosmic, but still critical question. From the founding of ancient civilizations to modern democracies, the role of government has been debated. Is the government meant to control us, guide us, or serve us?
22. Are Humans Basically Good or Evil?
The age-old debate that can divide families at Thanksgiving. Are we inherently angels, devils, or a little bit of both, like what the word “agathokakological” implies?
23. Can You Really ‘Know Thyself’?
Socrates threw this one at us. Is complete self-awareness attainable or just a lofty goal? [Read: 25 Honest, self-reflection questions to recognize the real YOU inside]
24. What is Freedom?
And can we ever truly be free, or are we always bound by society, responsibilities, or our own minds? How can we tell if we’re truly free? If we could break free from all constraints, what would that even look like? What are the grounds for determining true freedom, and who gets to decide that?
25. Does Language Shape Reality?
Would reality be different if we had no words to describe it? In other words, did the chicken exist before it was called a “chicken”?
26. Is There Such a Thing as Destiny?
Do we have a preordained path, or are we scribbling our own story as we go along? [Read: Red thread of fate – secrets to find your destiny string and strengthen the bond]
27. Is Perfection Attainable?
Spoiler: probably not. But should we strive for it anyway, or is ‘good enough’ actually good enough?
28. What is Justice?
Is it an eye for an eye, or turning the other cheek? Either way, these questions on existentialism aren’t sparing any moral dilemma.
29. What is Normal?
And who gets to decide? Because let’s face it, ‘normal’ is just a setting on the washing machine. [Read: Is it normal to talk to yourself? Self-talk, 27 benefits, types, and must-know tips]
30. Can There Be a Universal Moral Code?
Could all of humanity ever agree on a single set of ethical principles? If you’re laughing, we get it.
31. Is There a Limit to Human Potential?
Are we just scratching the surface of what’s possible, or have we reached the peak of human achievement with deep-fried Oreos?
32. What is True Happiness?
And can it be bought, found, or manufactured? These existential questions really dig deep into the human psyche. [Read: 41 Rules of life to never be unhappy and be the one who screams “I love my life”]
33. Does Everything Happen for a Reason?
Or is life just a random series of events strung together like a really confusing Netflix series?
34. Is Every Person’s Perception Their Reality?
If you see green and I see blue, who’s right? Another spoiler alert: existentialism doesn’t give easy answers.
35. Can Logic and Emotion Coexist?
You know what they say, “Don’t let emotions get the best of you”… or should we? Are logic and emotion the odd couple of human experiences, or can they actually get along and help us make better decisions together? [Read: Plutchik’s wheel of emotion – how to read and decode your emotional wheel]
36. What is Success?
And more importantly, who gets to define it? Society, family, or your last horoscope reading?
37. Can We Trust Our Senses?
After all, optical illusions and magic tricks are a thing. Our senses are there to help us navigate the world, but how do we know what’s real and what’s just sensory trickery? How much can we rely on them when they can be so easily deceived?
38. Is the Mind Separate from the Body?
We’re talking dualism here. Is your mind just a byproduct of your physical brain, or could it exist independently? [Read: 32 Quick questions to ask your partner to read your lover’s mind in minutes!]
39. Can One Person Change the World?
A hearty slice of optimism or a chunk of naive pie? What do you think?
40. Is There an End to the Universe?
And if so, what’s beyond it? Another universe? A cosmic gift shop? So many existential questions, so little time.
41. What is Sanity?
And is anyone truly sane, or are we all just varying degrees of crazy? [Read: Psychopath – how to recognize them, types, and 39 signs, and ways to cope]
42. Is There a Single Path to Enlightenment?
One meditation app to rule them all, or is enlightenment a choose-your-own-adventure kind of deal? What’s one thing that Buddha knew that made him achieve enlightenment? Is there a universal truth, or does each person find their own path?
43. What is the Nature of Good and Evil?
Are they polar opposites, or different shades of the same color on humanity’s moral palette?
44. What is the Role of Art?
Is it to entertain, to challenge, or to simply look good on your living room wall? [Read: Dating an artist – 31 traits of a creative person and must-knows to date them]
45. Can True Altruism Exist?
Or is every good deed secretly tinged with self-interest? [Read: Selfless love – traits that sets it apart from selfish love]
46. Is Life Fair?
And if it’s not, what can we do to level the playing field? Talk about existential questions that hit close to home. One perspective says that life is unfair to everyone, therefore making it fair.
But how does that play out when we zoom in on daily human experiences? How do we reconcile the idea of universal unfairness with the individual struggles we each face?
47. What is the Role of Chance?
Is life a well-calculated chess match or a roll of the dice? The math of calculating probabilities can give us insights, but can it really capture the unpredictability of life? How much of our path is determined by random events versus our own actions? [Read: 34 Signs the universe wants you to be with someone and the nudges of destiny]
48. What is Courage?
Is it the absence of fear or acting despite it? If you’ve ever had to kill a spider, you know why this question matters.
49. Are Dreams Significant?
Sure, science offers us an explanation of what and how dreams occur, but on the other side of the debate, some say dreams are windows into our deepest fears and desires.
Are they just random neural firings, or do they hold significant meaning? What say you, questions on existentialism?
50. What is Reality Made Of?
Atoms, energy, divine substance, or late-night Taco Bell cravings? The jury’s still out. [Read: What is the point of life? The theories, paradoxes, and secrets to find meaning]
51. Do Animals Have Souls?
And if they do, what happens to them after they cross the rainbow bridge?
52. Can There Be Absolute Certainty?
In anything? Or is doubt an eternal companion, like that one sock that never leaves the dryer?
53. What is the Nature of Friendship?
Is it mutual interests, shared values, or the ability to tolerate each other’s bad jokes? [Read: True friendship – 37 true friend traits and what it takes to be a good, loyal one]
54. What is the Ideal Society?
Utopia, dystopia, or something in between? Perhaps an island where existential questions are the national sport?
55. What is Authenticity?
Is it staying true to yourself, or is the ‘self’ itself a construct? This one’s a brain twister.
56. What is the Role of Education?
To inform, to form, or to reform? And who decides the curriculum, Plato or TikTok? [Read: 15 College life hacks you won’t learn in school to survive and thrive]
57. What is Loyalty?
And can it be misplaced? Spoiler: The history books are full of yeses.
58. What is Creativity?
Is it divine inspiration, hard work, or just a fancy way of saying you know how to use Photoshop?
59. Are We the Same Person Throughout Our Lives?
You’re not the same person you were five or ten years ago—your thoughts, beliefs and even personality might have changed. So, if we are constantly evolving, is there a core “self” that stays the same, or are we just a collection of shifting experiences?
60. What is Individual Responsibility?
Are we our brother’s keeper, or is it every person for themselves?
61. What is Love Made Of?
Chemicals, shared experiences, or endless sacrifices? Love seems to be an eternal muse for existential questions.
62. Is Everything Connected?
And if so, what’s the center of this cosmic web? Your Wi-Fi router doesn’t count. [Read: Karmic connection – how to recognize a soul agreement in your life]
63. What is the Best Way to Live?
By a moral code, by your instincts, or by the latest Twitter trends? Choose wisely.
64. Is There a Limit to Human Knowledge?
With science and technology advancing at an incredible pace, will we ever reach a point where there’s nothing left to discover? Or are there some things—like the nature of existence itself—that we are simply incapable of understanding?
65. What is the Relationship Between the Mind and the Body?
Are they partners, frenemies, or two aspects of the same being? [Read: 12 Benefits of exercise on your mind, body, and libido]
66. What is the Value of a Human Life?
Can it be quantified, compared, or commodified? One of those existential questions that can keep you up all night.
67. What is the Difference Between Existing and Living?
One’s a biological fact; the other’s an art form. Which one are you doing?
68. What is the Role of Religion?
Is it to guide, to comfort, or to control? Religion certainly adds more layers to the cake of existential questions. [Read: Real soulmates – what it is, how it works, 59 secrets and signs to find yours]
69. What is the Nature of Time?
Linear, cyclical, or a flat circle where we keep making the same mistakes?
70. Is Solitude a Blessing or a Curse?
Do we find ourselves in solitude, or do we lose ourselves?
71. What is the Role of Music?
Is it purely entertainment, or does it tap into something deeper within the human psyche? [Read: 49 Mushy, heartwarming songs to listen to when falling in love]
72. What is Honor?
And is it still relevant in today’s world, or is it an outdated concept?
73. Can We Escape Our Past?
Or are we doomed to repeat it, like a broken record or a trending meme?
74. Can a Person Truly Be Self-Sufficient?
The saying “No man is an island” suggests that humans need connection, but is it possible for someone to live entirely independent of others—physically, emotionally, and socially? Even those who isolate themselves still rely on knowledge, culture, or resources that came from human interaction.
75. What is Wisdom?
And how does one acquire it? Spoiler: It’s not from “following” wise people on social media.
76. What is the Nature of Suffering?
Is it universal, avoidable, or a critical part of the human experience?
77. What is the Nature of Identity?
Fixed, fluid, or a lifelong journey of self-discovery? [Read: 28 Self-improvement secrets to improve yourself and transform into your best self]
78. What is Home?
A place, a feeling, or wherever you set down your smartphone?
79. What is the Meaning of Sacrifice?
Is it the highest form of love, or can it be a form of manipulation?
80. What is the Relationship Between Freedom and Responsibility?
Can you have one without the other, or are they forever intertwined like PB&J? [Read: 94 Seriously deep, revealing questions to ask a guy to get to know him ASAP]
81. What is the Nature of Belief?
Is it based on evidence, emotion, or something even more elusive?
82. Are We Living in the Best Possible Version of Reality?
Could things have turned out better, or is everything happening the only way it ever could have? If we changed one event in history, would it lead to a better world or create new problems we can’t even imagine?
How to Use Existential Questions for Personal Growth
Alright, you might be thinking, “Cool, we’ve got a ton of existential questions, but what do I do with them?” Good question! *As if you haven’t had enough of those by now.*
1. Introspection and Mindfulness
First off, these existential questions aren’t just for pondering over a glass of wine or while you’re lost in a YouTube rabbit hole at 3 a.m. They’re tools for introspection and mindfulness.
Ask yourself questions like, “What is the nature of happiness?” or “What is the value of a human life?” [Read: 70 True secrets to happiness to have a happy life and enjoy everything you do]
These queries can help you dig deeper into your own values and beliefs. It’s like your own personal session of mental gymnastics, minus the spandex.
2. Interpersonal Relationships
Ah, yes. The realm of ‘us,’ not just ‘me.’ Discussing existential questions can be a phenomenal way to add depth to your interpersonal relationships.
Whether it’s a first date or a lifelong friendship, discussing topics like, “What is love made of?” or “What is the nature of friendship?” can reveal layers of understanding and mutual respect. [Read: 38 Signs and traits of a happy, healthy relationship and what it should look like]
It can take your conversations from “What’s your favorite color?” to “What’s your philosophy on the meaning of life?” from zero to sixty.
By engaging with these existential questions or encouraging questions on existentialism in your conversations, you’re doing more than just playing intellectual ping-pong.
You’re fostering deeper connections, building empathy, and encouraging a spirit of mutual discovery. [Read: 7 Reasons why empathy is important in a relationship]
These Questions Make Us Inherently Human
Whether you’re doing some soul-searching or adding a dose of depth to your conversations, existential questions serve as more than philosophical curiosities. They’re catalysts for change and understanding, both within ourselves and in our relationships with others.
The beauty of this is that you don’t have to tackle these questions alone. Discussing them with others can expand your views, challenge your assumptions, and open your mind to perspectives you may have never considered. A simple conversation about existence can lead to deeper connections and a greater understanding of yourself and the world around you.
And hey, let’s not forget the coolest part: these questions make us inherently human. They bring us closer to figuring out this wild ride we call life, one question at a time.
[Read: 30 deep, thought-provoking questions that’ll leave you curious and wondering]
So, the next time you’re up at 2:00 a.m. pondering the universe, just remember—you’re not alone. And at least now you have an awesome list of existential questions to work through!
