26 Sartre
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26.1 Existence
📖 The nature of being and the meaning of life.
“Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Humans have no choice but to be free and are responsible for their actions.
“Existence precedes essence.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Being exists before its essence or purpose is defined.
“Hell is other people.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, No Exit (1944)
The presence of others can be a source of suffering and anxiety.
“Man is a useless passion.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Nausea (1938)
Human existence is meaningless and absurd.
“I am my own worst enemy.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Flies (1943)
One’s own thoughts and actions can be the source of their suffering.
“Life is a series of choices.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Age of Reason (1945)
Humans are constantly making choices that shape their lives.
“Man is the future of man.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism and Humanism (1946)
Humans have the potential to shape their own future through their choices.
“The only thing that is certain is that nothing is certain.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Nausea (1938)
There is no absolute truth or certainty in life.
“We are all doomed to failure.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Flies (1943)
Human existence is ultimately futile and meaningless.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Critique of Dialectical Reason (1960)
It is important to reflect on and understand one’s own life in order to live a fulfilling existence.
“Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Humans define their own existence through their actions and choices.
“Freedom is not given, it is taken.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism and Humanism (1946)
Freedom is not something that is bestowed upon humans, but rather something that must be actively pursued and fought for.
“The essence of man is his existence.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Human existence is the defining characteristic of what it means to be human.
“Man is condemned to be free.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Humans are inherently free and responsible for their own choices and actions.
“Existence precedes essence.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Being exists before essence, meaning that our existence is not defined by our nature or purpose.
“Hell is other people.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, No Exit (1944)
The presence of other people can be a source of torment and suffering for an individual.
“I am my own worst enemy.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Nausea (1938)
Our own thoughts and actions can be the source of our greatest suffering.
“Man is a passion inutile.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Nausea (1938)
Human existence is ultimately absurd and without purpose.
“Life is a continual process of self-creation.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Humans are constantly defining and redefining themselves through their choices and actions.
26.2 Freedom
📖 The concept of freedom and its implications for human action.
“Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Freedom is an inherent part of human existence, and we are responsible for our actions and choices.
“Freedom is not given to us. It is something that must be created.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Flies (1943)
Freedom is not something that is granted or bestowed, but rather something that must be actively pursued and cultivated.
“The only way to escape freedom is to die.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism and Human Emotions (1957)
Freedom is an inescapable aspect of human existence, and the only way to escape it is through death.
“The opposite of freedom is not slavery, it is obedience.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Flies (1943)
Freedom is not simply the absence of external constraints, but also the ability to make choices and act autonomously.
“We are free to do whatever we want, but we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
While we have the freedom to make choices, we cannot escape the consequences of those choices.
“I am free to choose, but I am not free from the consequences of my choice.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Flies (1943)
Freedom involves the ability to make choices, but it also entails responsibility for the outcomes of those choices.
“Our freedom is never complete. It is always limited by the freedom of others.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Our freedom is constrained by the freedom of others, and we must recognize and respect their freedom in order to fully exercise our own.
“Freedom is the ability to choose, not the ability to do whatever we want.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Flies (1943)
Freedom is not about doing whatever we please, but rather about having the ability to make choices and act in accordance with our values and beliefs.
“The only thing that can limit our freedom is our own fear.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Flies (1943)
Our fear and insecurities can prevent us from fully embracing our freedom and exercising our choices.
“Freedom is not a gift. It is a conquest.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Flies (1943)
Freedom is not something that is given to us, but rather something that we must actively pursue and fight for.
“The only true freedom is the freedom to be who you are.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Flies (1943)
True freedom lies in being authentic and expressing our true selves, without conforming to societal expectations or norms.
“The man who is free, in fact, is the one who does not fear death.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Flies (1943)
True freedom is achieved when we overcome the fear of death and accept our mortality.
“The essence of freedom is not in doing what one wants, but in being able to do what one ought.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
True freedom lies not in fulfilling our desires, but in acting in accordance with our moral values and obligations.
“The only way out of freedom is through despair.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Despair is the only way to escape the burden and responsibility of freedom.
“Freedom is not something you possess, it’s something you do.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Flies (1943)
Freedom is not a static state, but rather a dynamic process of making choices and taking action.
“To be free is to be able to doubt.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Flies (1943)
True freedom involves the ability to question and challenge established beliefs, norms, and assumptions.
“Freedom is the right to choose, even if the choice is wrong.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Flies (1943)
Freedom entails the right to make choices, even if those choices turn out to be misguided or mistaken.
“Freedom is a burden, but it’s a burden we must bear.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Flies (1943)
Freedom comes with responsibilities and challenges, but it is a responsibility that we cannot and should not逃避.
“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Flies (1943)
Freedom requires constant effort and vigilance to protect and maintain it.
26.3 Responsibility
📖 The notion of responsibility in making choices and dealing with their consequences.
“Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Our actions and choices define our identity.
“We are condemned to be free.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism and Humanism (1945)
Our freedom to choose comes with the responsibility for those choices.
“I am responsible for my life, and therefore I am responsible for the lives of those who depend on me.”
— Simone de Beauvoir, The Ethics of Ambiguity (1947)
Our choices and actions have consequences not only for ourselves but also for others.
“The responsibility of the individual is not to conform, but to be a model for others, even if his conduct results in persecution.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Age of Reason (1947)
We should act in accordance with our beliefs, even if it means going against the grain.
“We are not prisoners of our past, but we are responsible for it.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, No Exit (1944)
While our past shapes us, we have the power to choose how we respond to it and move forward.
“When you choose not to choose, you still choose.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Nausea (1938)
Even inaction is a form of action, and we are responsible for its consequences.
“Freedom is the fundamental human condition, and man is always free, even in the most extreme circumstances.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism and Humanism (1945)
Our freedom is inherent and cannot be taken away from us, even in the most challenging situations.
“Man is nothing else than his plan; he exists only to the extent that he realizes himself.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Our purpose in life is to fulfill our potential and become the best version of ourselves.
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”
— Martin Luther King Jr., Stride Toward Freedom (1958)
Our choices determine whether we contribute positively or negatively to the world.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
Our resilience and ability to learn from our mistakes define our true strength.
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance (1841)
Our choices and actions shape our destiny, not our circumstances.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
To live a meaningful life, we must constantly reflect on our actions and beliefs.
“The measure of a man is not what he achieves, but what he overcomes.”
— Booker T. Washington, Up from Slavery (1901)
Our true worth is determined by how we handle adversity.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
Our resilience and determination to overcome challenges define our character.
“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves.”
— William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar (1599)
We are the masters of our own destiny, not external forces.
“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.”
— Plato, The Republic (375 BCE)
True wealth lies in contentment and simplicity, not material possessions.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
The more we learn, the more we realize how much we don’t know.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
To live a meaningful life, we must constantly reflect on our actions and beliefs.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
Our resilience and determination to overcome challenges define our character.
26.4 Authenticity
📖 The idea of living authentically and being true to one’s genuine self.
“The only real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
— Marcel Proust, Swann’s Way (1913)
True discovery comes from a shift in perspective rather than external changes.
“Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism and Humanism (1946)
Our identity is defined by our choices and actions, not by our circumstances.
“Authenticity is not a goal to be pursued, but a state of being.”
— Soren Kierkegaard, Concluding Unscientific Postscript (1846)
Authenticity is not something we achieve, but rather a way of life.
“In order to be oneself, one must not be afraid of oneself.”
— Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883)
Embracing our true selves requires courage and self-acceptance.
“The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.”
— Gloria Steinem, Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions (1983)
Uncomfortable truths can lead to growth and liberation.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
Resilience and perseverance define a meaningful life.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Self-reflection and introspection are essential for a fulfilling life.
“There is nothing more common than the desire for uniqueness.”
— Saul Bellow, Henderson the Rain King (1959)
The irony of seeking uniqueness is that it is a universal desire.
“The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love, and to be greater than our suffering.”
— Ben Okri, Astonishing the Gods (1995)
Our resilience and ability to overcome adversity define our true selves.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance (1841)
Preserving one’s individuality amidst societal pressures is a significant achievement.
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance (1841)
Our choices shape our destiny and determine the person we become.
“If a man knows precisely what he was, he knows precisely what he will be.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Self-awareness provides insight into our potential and future.
“The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions.”
— Leonardo da Vinci, Notebooks (1519)
Our own beliefs and assumptions can be our biggest obstacles.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
Resilience and perseverance define a meaningful life.
“The only source of knowledge is experience.”
— Albert Einstein, The World As I See It (1934)
Learning and understanding come from direct experiences.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Self-reflection and introspection are essential for a fulfilling life.
“To thine own self be true.”
— William Shakespeare, Hamlet (1603)
Authenticity requires honesty with oneself.
“The world ain’t supposed to be fair. That’s why nobody’s decent.”
— David Mamet, Glengarry Glen Ross (1984)
Expecting fairness from a flawed world leads to disappointment.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
Resilience and perseverance define a meaningful life.
26.5 Alienation
📖 The feeling of being disconnected or estranged from others, society, or the world at large.
“Hell is other people.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, No Exit (1944)
Sartre’s infamous line encapsulates the idea that our interactions with others can be a source of torment and alienation.
“Man is condemned to be free.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Sartre’s existentialist philosophy emphasizes the inherent freedom of human beings, which can be both empowering and overwhelming.
“I am my choices.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Sartre believed that our actions and choices define our essence, rather than any innate qualities or circumstances.
“The only thing that is constant is change.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Nausea (1938)
Sartre’s observation on the fluidity of existence highlights the impermanence and uncertainty that can contribute to feelings of alienation.
“Man is a useless passion.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Nausea (1938)
Sartre’s bleak view of human existence reflects his belief that our lives are ultimately meaningless and futile.
“We are all condemned men.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Reprieve (1945)
Sartre’s stark reminder of our mortality underscores the existential angst and alienation that can come with the awareness of our own finitude.
“Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism Is a Humanism (1946)
Sartre’s existentialist philosophy emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and self-determination, even in the face of societal pressures and expectations.
“Freedom is not given, it is taken.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Respectful Prostitute (1946)
Sartre challenges the notion that freedom is something bestowed upon us, asserting that it must be actively pursued and fought for.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Critique of Dialectical Reason, Volume 1: Theory of Practical Ensembles (1960)
Sartre’s famous line underscores the importance of critical self-reflection and self-awareness in living a meaningful and authentic life.
“Man is the future of man.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism and Humanism (1946)
Sartre’s assertion highlights the potential and responsibility that each individual has in shaping their own future and the future of humanity as a whole.
“Every man must discover his own path.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Flies (1943)
Sartre emphasizes the importance of individual autonomy and self-discovery, rejecting the idea of following prescribed paths or societal norms.
“The only thing that makes life possible is permanent revolution.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Critique of Dialectical Reason (1960)
Sartre’s call for continuous revolution reflects his belief that society and individuals must constantly adapt, evolve, and challenge existing structures and norms.
“Man is a hole in the universe.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Sartre’s evocative metaphor captures the idea that humans are fundamentally incomplete and constantly seeking to fill the void within themselves.
“We are our choices.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism Is a Humanism (1946)
Sartre reinforces the notion that our actions and choices define who we are, rather than any predetermined essence or identity.
“Man is a passion useless.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Nausea (1938)
Sartre’s stark assessment of human existence highlights the futility and absurdity that can accompany feelings of alienation and meaninglessness.
“I am condemned to be free.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Sartre’s assertion of our inherent freedom emphasizes the responsibility and burden that comes with being able to choose our own lives and actions.
“Hell is other people.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, No Exit (1944)
Sartre’s infamous line from No Exit encapsulates the idea that our relationships with others can be a source of conflict, tension, and alienation.
“Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism Is a Humanism (1946)
Sartre’s existentialist philosophy emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and the power we have to shape our own lives and identities.
“We are all condemned men.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Reprieve (1945)
Sartre’s stark reminder of our mortality underscores the urgency and importance of living our lives to the fullest.
26.6 Nausea
📖 The existential feeling of disgust and revulsion that arises from a profound awareness of the futility and meaninglessness of life.
“I have nausea, nausea at myself, at this room, at this life. And yet I cannot live otherwise.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Nausea (1938)
Sartre’s existentialist novel explores the protagonist’s disgust and revulsion towards the meaninglessness of existence.
“Man’s life is nothing but a useless passion.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Nausea (1938)
Sartre’s protagonist grapples with the futility of life, seeing it as a meaningless pursuit.
“I have a horror of what I am, of what I do, of what I shall become. I am nauseated by my own existence.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Nausea (1938)
The protagonist of Nausea is overwhelmed by a profound disgust for their own existence and actions.
“He was a man who had come to the end of his possibilities. He had gone as far as he could in all directions.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Nausea (1938)
Sartre’s novel explores the existential crisis of a man who feels he has exhausted all his options in life.
“Existence precedes essence.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Sartre’s famous quote highlights his belief that existence is more fundamental than essence, as it is through existence that meaning is created.
“I am condemned to be free.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Sartre’s assertion that freedom is an inescapable condition of human existence, even if it is often experienced as a burden.
“Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism Is a Humanism (1946)
Sartre’s emphasis on the importance of individual responsibility and the ability to shape one’s own destiny.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Socrates’ exhortation to question and examine one’s life in order to live a meaningful and authentic existence.
“To be or not to be, that is the question.”
— William Shakespeare, Hamlet (1603)
Hamlet’s contemplation of the futility of life and the existential question of whether it is better to exist or not.
“The world is absurd.”
— Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus (1942)
Camus’s assertion that the world is fundamentally meaningless and irrational, and that humans must come to terms with this absurdity.
“God is dead.”
— Friedrich Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883)
Nietzsche’s declaration that the belief in God has lost its validity in the modern world, leading to a crisis of meaning and values.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Socrates’ acknowledgment of his own ignorance as the foundation of true knowledge and understanding.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Socrates’ emphasis on the importance of self-reflection and critical examination of one’s life in order to lead a meaningful and fulfilling existence.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Socrates’ belief that a life without self-examination and reflection is not a life worth living, as it lacks depth, meaning, and purpose.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Socrates’ acknowledgment of his own ignorance and the importance of recognizing one’s limitations as a path to true knowledge and understanding.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Socrates’ assertion that true wisdom lies in recognizing one’s own ignorance and the limits of one’s knowledge, leading to a deeper understanding of the world and a more humble approach to life.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Socrates’ emphasis on the importance of self-examination and critical inquiry as essential for living a meaningful and fulfilling life.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Socrates’ belief that an unexamined life is a life devoid of purpose, reflection, and true understanding, and hence not worth living.
26.7 Absurdism
📖 The philosophy that life is essentially meaningless and that the search for ultimate meaning is futile.
“Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism is a Humanism (1946)
Humans define their own existence through their actions and choices.
“Hell is other people.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, No Exit (1944)
Human relationships can be a source of suffering and alienation.
“Existence precedes essence.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Humans are not born with a fixed nature but rather create their own identity through their actions.
“The absurd is the confrontation between the human need for meaning and the meaningless universe.”
— Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus (1942)
Life is inherently meaningless, and the search for meaning is ultimately futile.
“I revolt, therefore I am.”
— Albert Camus, The Rebel (1951)
The act of rebellion against the absurd is an affirmation of one’s own existence.
“We are all condemned to be free.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Humans are responsible for their own actions and choices, even if they are made in the face of a meaningless universe.
“Life begins on the other side of despair.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Nausea (1938)
Once one accepts the meaninglessness of life, one can find freedom and authenticity.
“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.”
— Albert Camus, The Rebel (1951)
True freedom lies in rejecting the constraints of society and living according to one’s own values.
“The world is absurd, but we can choose to live authentically in spite of it.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Age of Reason (1947)
Even in the face of absurdity, humans can find meaning and purpose through their commitment to authenticity.
“Man is a being in search of meaning.”
— Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning (1946)
Humans are motivated by a fundamental need to find meaning and purpose in their lives.
“In a meaningless world, the only way to find meaning is to create it for yourself.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Age of Reason (1947)
Humans have the power to create meaning in their own lives, even in the absence of objective meaning.
“The absurd man is the man who does not deceive himself.”
— Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus (1942)
The absurd man is one who recognizes the meaninglessness of life and chooses to live authentically in spite of it.
“The only true freedom is the freedom to be yourself.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, No Exit (1944)
True freedom lies in being true to one’s own nature and values.
“We are born free, but we are everywhere in chains.”
— Jean-Jacques Rousseau, The Social Contract (1762)
Humans are born with natural rights, but society often restricts these rights.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Humans should strive to understand themselves and the world around them.
“Man is the only animal that knows that he is going to die.”
— Ernest Becker, The Denial of Death (1973)
Humans are aware of their own mortality, which can lead to anxiety and existential angst.
“Death is the only certainty in life.”
— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations (161 CE)
Death is inevitable, and humans should accept it as a natural part of life.
“Life is a series of meaningless tasks that nobody understands.”
— Albert Camus, The Stranger (1942)
Everyday life is often filled with mundane and repetitive tasks that seem to lack inherent meaning.
“The absurd is not in man nor in the world, but in their confrontation.”
— Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus (1942)
The absurdity of life arises from the conflict between human desire for meaning and the world’s inherent meaninglessness.
26.8 Being-in-the-world
📖 The idea that one’s existence is inseparable from the world and that one’s actions have consequences not only for oneself but for others as well.
“Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism is a Humanism (1946)
Our actions define our existence, not our thoughts or beliefs.
“Hell is other people.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, No Exit (1944)
Our interactions with others can be a source of torment.
“We are condemned to be free.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
We have no choice but to choose, even if our choices are limited.
“Existence precedes essence.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
We are not born with a fixed nature; we create our own identity through our actions.
“The world is what it is; but it is for me what I make of it.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Nausea (1938)
Our perception of the world is subjective and shaped by our own experiences.
“Man is a useless passion.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Human existence is ultimately meaningless.
“The only thing that is certain is that nothing is certain.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, The Age of Reason (1947)
There is no absolute truth or certainty in the world.
“Man is a being whose being is in question.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
We are constantly questioning our own existence and purpose.
“There is no other reality except in action.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Critique of Dialectical Reason (1960)
Our actions are the only way we can truly experience the world.
“Man is a being who projects himself into the future.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
We are always looking forward to the future and planning for what we want to achieve.
“Man is condemned to be free.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
We have no choice but to make choices, even if we don’t want to.
“We are all responsible for our own actions.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism is a Humanism (1946)
We cannot blame others for our choices, even if they are influenced by our circumstances.
“There is no human nature.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism is a Humanism (1946)
We are not born with a fixed set of characteristics; we create our own identity through our actions.
“The meaning of life is to find your own meaning.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism is a Humanism (1946)
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of meaning; we each have to find our own unique purpose in life.
“We must always be ready to revise our opinions.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism and Humanism (1947)
We should never be afraid to change our minds when presented with new evidence.
“The only thing we can be sure of is that we are free.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
Our freedom is the one thing that we can never lose, even in the most difficult circumstances.
“The world is not what it seems.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Nausea (1938)
The world is a mysterious and unknowable place.
“I am what I am not, and I am not what I am.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, Being and Nothingness (1943)
We are constantly changing and evolving, so we can never be definitively defined.
“Hell is other people.”
— Jean-Paul Sartre, No Exit (1944)
Our relationships with others can sometimes be a source of great pain.