"Existence precees essence", is a philosophic concept based on the idea of existence without essence. For humanity, it means that humanity may exist, but humanity's existence does not mean anything at least at the beginning. This concept can be applied at the individual level as well. The value and meaning of this existence—or essence—is created only later. It directly and strongly rejects many traditional beliefs including religious beliefs that humankind is given a knowable purpose by its creator or other deity. The idea of "existence precedes essence" is a key foundational concept of existentialism.