Boredom and the Existentialism of Elevator Rides

Boredom and the Existentialism of Elevator Rides

Have you ever found yourself standing in front of an elevator, staring blankly at the buttons as you wait for what feels like an eternity for your destination to arrive? It’s a familiar feeling, one that many of us can relate to. But what if I told you that the act of pressing that button is more than just a mundane task? It’s an existential one.

According to existentialist philosopher Martin Heidegger, being and time are inextricably linked. The way we experience time is shaped by our existence and our relationship with the world around us. In the context of an elevator ride, this means that our experience of time is greatly influenced by our perception of control and agency.

When we stand in front of an elevator, we have two choices: press a button or wait. The act of pressing a button gives us a sense of agency, of being able to take control of our environment. It’s a small action, but one that can greatly impact our experience of time. By pressing the button, we’re not just getting from point A to point B; we’re also creating meaning in the moment.

This idea is closely tied to the concept of “authenticity,” a central tenet of existentialist philosophy. According to Heidegger, authenticity is about being true to oneself, about living in the present moment and taking responsibility for our actions. In the case of the elevator, pressing the button is an authentic action because it allows us to take control of our environment and create meaning in the moment.

But what happens when we don’t press the button? When we stand there, staring blankly at the buttons, waiting for what feels like an eternity? In this case, we’re not taking control of our environment; we’re not creating meaning. We’re simply waiting, passive and anonymous.

This is where the existentialist idea of “nothingness” comes in. According to Heidegger, nothingness is the absence of being, the void that exists at the edges of existence. In the context of an elevator ride, nothingness is represented by the blankness of the buttons, the emptiness of the space around us. It’s the feeling of being disconnected from the world, of being a mere spectator rather than an active participant.

So why do we press the buttons, then? Why do we take action in the first place? According to existentialist philosophy, it’s because action creates meaning. By pressing the button, we’re not just getting from point A to point B; we’re also creating meaning in the moment. We’re taking control of our environment, we’re living in the present, and we’re creating our own reality.

But what about when we’re stuck in an elevator? When we’re trapped, unable to press the button or take control of our environment? In this case, the existentialist idea of “authenticity” takes on a new meaning. We’re no longer able to take control of our environment; we’re no longer able to create meaning. We’re forced to confront the void, the nothingness that exists at the edges of existence.

In the end, the elevator ride is more than just a mundane task. It’s an existential one, a reminder that action creates meaning and that we have the power to shape our own reality. So next time you’re stuck in an elevator, take a moment to appreciate the simple act of pressing a button. It’s a small action, but one that can greatly impact our experience of time and our existence in the world.