Existentialism is often equated with nihilism, yet this conflation is a profound error. While the nihilist believes that because life has no inherent meaning, nothing matters, the existentialist argues that because life has no inherent meaning, the individual is radically free to create it. For thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre, 'existence precedes essence.' We are not born with a pre-defined purpose or a set of moral guidelines; instead, we are thrown into the world and must define ourselves through our choices. This freedom, however, is a source of profound 'anguish,' as it carries with it an absolute responsibility for the self we create. To live 'authentically' is to acknowledge this freedom and take responsibility for one's values.