José Ortega y Gasset

José Ortega y Gasset was a Spanish philosopher known for his belief that individual existence is central to understanding life. He emphasized that people are shaped by their circumstances, coining the phrase "I am I and my circumstances." This means our identity and choices are influenced by social, historical, and cultural contexts. Ortega argued that one must actively engage with life, cultivating authentic experiences rather than merely conforming to societal norms. His work contributes to existential philosophy by highlighting personal responsibility and the importance of making intentional choices in a complex, often absurd world.