| abstract | This doctoral dissertation investigates existentialism. It is original in its nature since it not only collects and outlines the main concepts of existentialism, but presents these concepts as practical subjects relevant to my memoir/journey and as they are discussed by two distinguished philosophers, Soren Kierkegaard and Viktor Frankl. My dissertation study follows two paths: it includes scholarly research on existentialism and a memoir that explores a life journey to understand existentialism and enact social justice. The objective of this dissertation is to explore the relationship between the existentialist theory and innovation, investigate the ways in which existentialism can be made relevant, and understand how such innovativeness can be evaluated. In addition, this dissertation is an interdisciplinary exploration of various subjects in the liberal arts. My memoir, Milk and Honey, a Metaphor for Power and Money is centered on my creativity in the context of process and stimulation of creative potential from elementary school to an advanced scholarly journey. The content of my memoir illustrates memories from my childhood conveyed through monologues, social encounters and conversations, a chronicle of my educational journey with emphasis on the liberal arts, learned cultures, and the quest to dispel certain myths and stereotypes of a life proscribed by society with its emphasis on materialism. Specific attention is drawn to the religious society of Kierkegaard's era as it relates to money, political power, and Christianity according to Christian existentialism. Bob Marley, the Rastafarian Movement of Jamaica, conversations about marijuana, class distinction, as well as George Orwell's Animal Farm are used as foundational references. Throughout my memoir, inclusion of Biblical allusions is necessary in that each example affects the basis of Christian existentialism, as well as other, minor religious elements embedded within the text. My quotation of Bible scriptures supports reason and conversation in accordance with content and context. In referencing Viktor Frankl's memoir, Man's Search for Meaning, specific details concerning absurdity, authenticity, choice, freedom, humanism, individualism, and reason provide a clear understanding of the existentialist philosophy. |
