Jean-Paul Sartre was a French existentialist philosopher, playwright, novelist, and political activist. He is primarily known for his contributions to existentialism and phenomenology.
Born in 1905, Sartre’s ideas had a profound impact on various fields in the 20th century, including literature, psychology, and political theory. He was a key figure in post-war France, an embodiment of the intellectual movement. He is considered one of the foundational figures in the existentialist movement and his ideas continue to be studied and debated.
Sartre’s brand of existentialism is characterized by a strong emphasis on individual freedom and the responsibility that comes with it. He argued for radical freedom; supposing that individuals must create their own values and meaning in a world devoid of inherent purpose.
“Freedom is what you do with what’s been done to you.”–Sartre
Consciousness and Existence ground his existentialism in phenomenology (study of the way we experience the world.) He explored how human consciousness allows us to construct our reality through perception and choice.
“I exist because I think…and I can’t stop thinking.”–Sartre
One of my favorite characteristics of Sartre’s work is the passion of his thought patterns. He led a movement and was able to make others think in new ways. He challenges our thought on reality and freedom and authentic experience.
“Existence is not something which lets itself be thought of from a distance; it must invade you suddenly, master you, weigh heavily on your heart like a great motionless beast, or else there is nothing at all.”–Sartre