Walt Whitman: 'Oh while I live, to be the ruler of life, not a slave, to meet life as a powerful conqueror, and nothing exterior to me will ever take command of me.'

Oh while I live, to be the ruler of life, not a slave, to meet life as a powerful conqueror, and nothing exterior to me will ever take command of me.

In his powerful quote, Walt Whitman encapsulates the essence of his philosophy on living an empowered life. He expresses a desire to be the ruler of life, not a slave, and to confront life as a conquering force, refusing to be controlled by anything external. This sentiment resonates with individuals seeking self-determination and a sense of personal authority. At its core, Whitman's quote emphasizes the importance of living life on one's own terms, free from outside influences that may seek to dictate or limit one's choices.While the straightforward interpretation of this quote is profound in its own right, let us now delve deeper into an unexpected philosophical concept that adds another layer of interest to Whitman's words: Existentialism. Stemming from the philosophical movement of the 19th and 20th centuries, existentialism explores themes of individuality, freedom, and the search for meaning in a seemingly chaotic world.Existentialist thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Albert Camus emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and the ability to shape one's own life. They argue that existence precedes essence, meaning that humans create their own existence through their actions and choices rather than being determined by predefined roles or external circumstances.Drawing upon this concept, we can interpret Whitman's quote as embodying an existentialist view of life. By declaring his desire to be the ruler of his existence and to conquer life, he aligns himself with the existentialist goal of taking charge of one's own destiny and embracing the freedom to mold one's life according to their own values and aspirations.Whitman's emphasis on meeting life as a powerful conqueror is reminiscent of Sartre's notion of "being-for-itself," where individuals define their own existence and purpose in a world devoid of inherent meaning. Both Whitman and Sartre advocate for breaking free from external constraints and determining one's own path.However, it is important to note that while Whitman's quote echoes existentialist themes, his words are infused with a sense of optimism and self-assuredness that may diverge from the existentialist view of the inherent anxiety and uncertainty of existence. Whitman, in his exuberant and celebratory writing style, encourages readers to conquer life with confidence and joy, contrasting with the existentialist exploration of the absurdity of human existence.Nonetheless, the underlying message remains the same – the importance of steering one's own journey and resisting external influences that may seek to overpower or dictate one's choices. Whitman's call to be the ruler of life resonates with the existentialist pursuit of individual freedom and self-determination.In conclusion, Walt Whitman's quote carries a profound message about living life on one's own terms, asserting personal autonomy, and refusing to be enslaved by external forces. By introducing the unexpected lens of existentialism, we are reminded of the importance of personal responsibility, the freedom to shape our own existence, and the search for meaning in a complex and ever-changing world. Whitman's words continue to inspire individuals to embrace their inner conqueror and navigate life with an unwavering sense of self-possession.