An existential crisis

In recent years, the growing migration of Nepali youth has become a serious concern.  The reasons often given include economic instability, lack of job opportunities and the political turbulence that has plagued the country for decades. While these factors certainly play a role, I believe there is a deeper, more existential issue at work. By using the philosophy of Martin Heidegger, particularly his ideas on mood, anxiety and resoluteness, we can begin to understand this migration as more than just a reaction to external  conditions. It is, in many ways, an existential crisis that challenges how young people see  their lives and future in Nepal. 

The mood of anxiety 

Heidegger’s concept of mood isn’t just an emotional state; it is a fundamental way in which we relate to the world. Our moods shape how the world appears to us, and in turn, how we act within it. One of the most central moods in Heidegger’s philosophy is anxiety, which  occurs when we confront the groundlessness of our existence—when the usual meanings,  comforts and structures we rely on suddenly fall away. Unlike fear, which is directed at something specific, anxiety is more general and spreads across everything without having a  clear object. 

In Nepal, there is a widespread mood of anxiety among the youth. It feels like a sense of  hopelessness or stagnation, where the future seems unclear, and opportunities feel out of  reach. Many young people feel there is nothing left to work for in the country. They may not  be able to point to one specific thing that is missing, but the overall mood is one of  dissatisfaction and unease. This is a classic case of Heideggerian anxiety: the feeling that  something is wrong, but without knowing exactly what. 

Beyond economics 

The common explanation blames this anxiety on political instability, economic downturns and the lack of job opportunities. To some extent, this is true. Nepal’s political system has long been unstable, and the economy has struggled to provide meaningful employment for its growing youth population. However, focusing only on these external factors misses the deeper existential dimension of the issue. Many young people are not simply reacting to the economic or political situation; they are grappling with a bigger question about the meaning and purpose of their lives. 

For instance, even if Nepal were to suddenly offer more job opportunities or become  politically stable, would the youth still feel fulfilled? Would they feel they are living in a way  that reflects their true selves and values? The migration of youth isn’t just about better jobs or escaping a broken political system. It’s about seeking a sense of meaning and purpose  that many feel is missing in their home country. In this sense, the decision to leave Nepal is  not merely a political or economic choice but an existential one. 

Lessons from Viktor Frankl 

Consider the case of Viktor Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor who developed logotherapy, a form of therapy that focuses on finding meaning in life, even in the most dire circumstances. Frankl’s philosophy shows that even in extreme situations—such as life in concentration camps—people can find a sense of purpose and meaning, which can allow them to endure unimaginable suffering. Frankl believed that it wasn’t external circumstances that determined a person’s state of mind, but their ability to find meaning in those circumstances. His work demonstrates that even in the worst possible conditions, existential crises can be overcome through a deeper understanding of one’s  purpose. 

I have personally witnessed examples where economic prosperity does not prevent existential crises. South Korea and Norway, both highly developed nations, are also struggling with high suicide rates. Despite their economic progress and high standards of living, many people in these countries experience feelings of meaninglessness,  depression and existential despair. South Korea’s intense social pressures and competition contribute to widespread anxiety, while in Norway, the alienation that can accompany wealth and material comfort has led many, especially the younger generation, to feel disconnected from any deeper sense of purpose. These examples highlight that  existential crises can emerge in any context, regardless of external conditions like wealth or political stability. 

The situation in Nepal, therefore, cannot be explained solely by economic or political factors. Even if external conditions were to improve, the deeper existential concerns would  remain. What many of Nepal’s youth are facing is not just a lack of jobs or a reaction to political uncertainty; it is an existential void, a search for meaning in a world that appears increasingly empty. 

Herd mentality

Heidegger makes a distinction between authentic and inauthentic ways of being. In an  inauthentic mode, we simply follow the crowd, conforming to the expectations and norms of society without reflecting on our own values and choices. Heidegger calls this living according to “the they”, where we do what everyone else is doing simply because that’s what people do. In the case of Nepal’s youth, many are leaving the country not because they have fully considered their decision, but because it has become the norm. Everyone is  going abroad, so they follow along. 

This “sheep mentality” is a clear example of inauthentic living. Young people are caught up in the general mood of anxiety and hopelessness, but they are not critically thinking about their own situation or why they are making certain choices. They are simply reacting to the mood of the moment, rather than taking control of their own lives. This isn’t to criticize them, but to highlight the existential crisis that lies underneath the wave of migration. 

A path to authenticity 

So, what can be done? How can Nepal’s youth deal with this existential crisis and make more authentic decisions about their future? Here, Heidegger’s concept of resoluteness is crucial. Resoluteness involves taking ownership of one’s choices, facing the uncertainty and anxiety of life, and acting with purpose. It’s about making decisions that reflect who we really are, rather than simply going along with what everyone else is doing or reacting to external pressures. 

For some young people, resoluteness might mean leaving Nepal, but with a clear understanding of why they are doing so, and what they hope to achieve. They wouldn’t just be following the crowd or giving in to a vague feeling of hopelessness. They would be leaving as a conscious, thoughtful act, based on their own values and understanding of their situation. 

For others, resoluteness might mean staying in Nepal and finding opportunities within the country. They would recognize that, despite the challenges, there are possibilities for growth and meaningful contribution. Instead of being trapped by the general mood of  anxiety or inauthenticity, they would engage with their circumstances, choosing to stay and make a difference because it aligns with their personal sense of purpose. 

The existential aspect 

In Nepal, development is often seen in terms of economic growth, political reform or  infrastructure improvement. These are all important, but they don’t address the existential crisis many young people are experiencing. The migration of youth is not just a symptom of  underdevelopment; it’s a symptom of a deeper existential void. Until we start addressing  the existential crisis that many young people face, no amount of economic reform will be enough to stop the flow of young people leaving the country.

What we need is a shift in how we think about development and progress. Instead of  focusing only on external conditions like jobs or political stability, we should think about creating an environment where young people can find meaning and purpose in their lives. This might involve creating spaces for self-reflection, encouraging thoughtful decision-making and fostering a culture that values individual purpose as much as  material success.

Authentic living requires us to confront life’s uncertainties and make choices based on our own understanding of who we are and what we want. Whether young people choose to stay in Nepal or leave for opportunities abroad, the key is that they make these decisions with clarity, purpose and resoluteness. Only then can we begin to address the crisis that is driving so many young people away.