From the moment we are born, we find ourselves in situations we didn’t choose. We don’t pick our parents, our birthplace, or even the conditions of our bodies. As we grow, we become more aware of our surroundings and our own existence. This awareness leads us to a fundamental question: What should we do with the life we’ve been given? This question is at the heart of existentialism, a philosophy deeply explored by Jean-Paul Sartre.
Existentialism began as a philosophical movement in the 19th century, influenced by thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Fyodor Dostoevsky. It was further developed by philosophers such as Albert Camus and Martin Heidegger, but Jean-Paul Sartre is one of its most notable figures. In his lecture “Existentialism is a Humanism,” Sartre famously declared, “existence precedes essence.” This means that, unlike objects made with a specific purpose (like a paper knife), humans are not born with a predetermined essence or purpose. Instead, we create our essence through our actions and choices.
Sartre’s philosophy presents a paradox: while we have the freedom to create our own meaning, this freedom can also lead to feelings of anxiety and anguish. Without a predetermined purpose, we must face the reality of our choices and the responsibility that comes with them. Sartre argues that this existential freedom is both a gift and a burden. It allows us to define who we are, but it also places the responsibility of meaning squarely on our shoulders.
The freedom to choose can lead to what Sartre describes as “the anxiety of choice.” With countless potential paths and decisions, the pressure to make the “right” choice can be overwhelming. Many people respond to this anxiety by avoiding choice altogether, conforming to societal norms and expectations. Sartre calls this avoidance “bad faith,” a form of self-deception that denies our inherent freedom and responsibility.
Choosing not to choose is, paradoxically, still a choice. It reflects a reluctance to engage with the complexities of existence and can lead to a life lacking authenticity and personal meaning. Sartre emphasizes that the fundamental existential choice is whether to embrace our freedom or to relinquish it.
Sartre suggests that life, in its essence, lacks inherent meaning. However, this does not lead to despair; instead, it opens the door to the possibility of creating our own meaning. Each person has the opportunity to define what is important to them and to pursue those values with intention. This process of self-definition is crucial for living an authentic life.
As we navigate our existence, we will inevitably face difficult decisions about our beliefs, identities, and actions. Regret may accompany many of these choices, as we can never fully know the outcomes of paths not taken. However, Sartre encourages us to focus on the intentions behind our choices rather than the potential for error. Living with honesty and virtue allows us to look back on our lives with a sense of fulfillment, even if some decisions did not yield the desired results.
Life is inherently complex and filled with uncertainty. The challenges of grappling with existence, meaning, and personal responsibility are part of the human experience. Sartre’s philosophy serves as a reminder that this struggle is a gift—a chance to engage deeply with our lives and to make choices that reflect our true selves.
Ultimately, whether one agrees with Sartre or not, his ideas encourage us to risk the comfort of conformity for the pursuit of authenticity. We must take responsibility for our lives and the meanings we create, recognizing that our existence is a unique journey that deserves to be lived fully.
In a world where many may judge our choices, the most important perspective to maintain is our own. We must strive to ensure that we do not become our own harshest critics. By embracing our freedom and the responsibility that comes with it, we can navigate the complexities of life with intention and purpose, making the most of the gift of existence.
Take some time to write a reflective journal entry about a significant choice you have made in your life. Consider how this choice aligns with Sartre’s idea of “existence precedes essence.” Reflect on the freedom and responsibility involved in making this decision and how it has shaped your personal identity.
Participate in a group debate where you will be divided into two teams. One team will argue that existential freedom is primarily a gift, while the other will argue it is a burden. Use Sartre’s philosophy to support your arguments and engage in a lively discussion about the balance between freedom and responsibility.
Engage in role-playing exercises where you and your peers act out scenarios involving difficult choices. Each scenario should highlight the concept of “bad faith” and the anxiety of choice. After each role-play, discuss how the characters could embrace their freedom and make authentic decisions.
Create a piece of art—such as a painting, poem, or short story—that explores the theme of creating meaning in a meaningless world. Use your artwork to express how you interpret Sartre’s philosophy and how you find personal meaning in your own life.
Join a discussion circle where you and your classmates explore the implications of Sartre’s philosophy on modern life. Discuss how existentialism can be applied to contemporary issues, such as career choices, relationships, and societal expectations. Share your insights and learn from the perspectives of others.
Existentialism – A philosophical theory or approach which emphasizes the existence of the individual as a free and responsible agent determining their own development through acts of the will. – Jean-Paul Sartre’s existentialism posits that individuals must create their own meaning in a world that inherently lacks it.
Choice – The act of selecting among alternatives, often seen as a central concept in existentialist thought where individuals must make decisions that define their essence. – In existentialist philosophy, the burden of choice underscores the freedom and responsibility each person holds in shaping their life.
Freedom – The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint, often discussed in philosophy as the basis for moral responsibility. – Sartre argues that freedom is both a gift and a burden, as it requires individuals to take full responsibility for their actions.
Meaning – The significance or purpose of something, often explored in philosophy as individuals seek to understand their place in the world. – Viktor Frankl’s existential analysis suggests that finding meaning in life is essential for psychological well-being.
Anxiety – A feeling of worry or unease, often discussed in existential philosophy as a natural response to the realization of one’s freedom and responsibility. – Kierkegaard described anxiety as the dizziness of freedom, where the individual confronts the infinite possibilities of choice.
Authenticity – The degree to which one is true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character, despite external pressures, a key concept in existentialist thought. – Heidegger believed that living authentically involves embracing one’s own potential and making choices that reflect one’s true self.
Responsibility – The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone, often linked in philosophy to the consequences of one’s freedom and choices. – In existentialism, responsibility is inescapable, as each person must own the outcomes of their freely made choices.
Existence – The fact or state of living or having objective reality, often explored in philosophy as the starting point for understanding human nature. – Existentialists argue that existence precedes essence, meaning that individuals must define their own nature through actions.
Values – The principles or standards of behavior; one’s judgment of what is important in life, often examined in philosophy as subjective and self-determined. – Nietzsche challenged traditional values, urging individuals to create their own values through a process of self-overcoming.
Self-definition – The process by which an individual defines their own identity and essence, often considered a fundamental aspect of existentialist philosophy. – Through acts of self-definition, individuals assert their freedom and craft a unique identity in an indifferent universe.
