“To be, or not to be: that is the question.”William Shakespeare · Hamlet · 1601 · Actul III, Scena 1
The existential dilemma is between passively enduring suffering and acting courageously, even at the risk of severe consequences.
In the famous soliloquy, Hamlet weighs two options: enduring 'the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune' or fighting against troubles and ending them through death. The dilemma is not just about suicide, but about choosing between passivity and courageous action. For instance, someone stuck in a toxic job can choose to endure or risk a radical change.
Why it matters Today, this question arises in moments of existential crisis, when you must decide whether to accept your situation or take risky measures to change it.