Jean-Paul Sartre, one of the leading figures in existential philosophy, left an indelible mark on both philosophy and literature in the 20th century. Known for his ideas on existentialism, freedom, responsibility, and the absurd, Sartre’s work explored the nature of human existence, often challenging societal norms and individual perceptions of reality. His most famous work, Being and Nothingness (1943), delves deeply into existential themes, particularly the concepts of consciousness, freedom, and the meaning (or lack thereof) of life. Sartre’s influence also extended beyond philosophy to literature, politics, and even theatre, as he developed ideas that questioned the traditional structures of society and morality. Below are 25 of Sartre’s best and most thought-provoking quotes, each of which highlights his distinctive contributions to philosophical thought.
1. “Existence precedes essence.”
This is arguably Sartre’s most famous quote, and it encapsulates the essence of his existential philosophy. For Sartre, there is no predefined human nature or essence that dictates how we should live. Instead, we exist first, and through our actions and choices, we create our essence. This contrasts with traditional philosophical views that argued human beings have a predetermined nature or purpose. Sartre’s existentialism insists that we are free to define ourselves through our choices and actions.
2. “Freedom is what you do with what’s been done to you.”
Sartre believed that while we are conditioned by external factors such as our upbringing, society, and history, we retain the freedom to choose how to respond to those conditions. This quote emphasizes the idea that freedom is not an absolute state, but a dynamic process. Even in situations where we feel constrained, our choices and actions define the meaning we give to those circumstances.
3. “Man is condemned to be free.”
This statement encapsulates one of the more paradoxical elements of Sartre’s philosophy. While freedom is central to existentialism, Sartre argues that this freedom is not liberating—it is a burden. By being free, we are forced to confront the responsibility of our choices. We cannot escape our freedom, and in doing so, we are confronted with the weight of responsibility for our actions and the world we create.
4. “Hell is other people.”
This famous quote from Sartre’s play No Exit reflects his view of human relationships and the ways in which individuals can become imprisoned by the gaze and judgment of others. For Sartre, the presence of others is a source of alienation, as we are constantly aware of how others perceive us, which limits our ability to freely define ourselves. The “hell” Sartre refers to is the suffocating, judgmental nature of social interactions.
5. “We are our choices.”
Sartre argued that human beings are fully responsible for their existence. Unlike objects or animals, which have fixed natures, humans define themselves through the choices they make. This quote underscores the central existentialist idea that we are not born with a predetermined purpose; rather, we create our identity through the decisions we make and the actions we take in life.
6. “To be is to be perceived.”
This quote reflects Sartre’s views on the relationship between consciousness and existence. In Being and Nothingness, Sartre elaborates on the idea that our consciousness is always directed toward something—whether it be an object, a person, or an idea. Our being is not a static fact but something that is continuously shaped by the way we are perceived and by how we perceive the world around us.
7. “Life has no meaning a priori. Before you come alive, life is nothing; it’s up to you to give it a meaning, and value is nothing but the meaning that you choose.”
For Sartre, meaning is not something inherent in the world; it must be created by the individual. This quote reflects his view that there is no universal or objective purpose to life, and it is the responsibility of each person to define their own purpose and values. It is an assertion of human freedom and autonomy, where each individual holds the power to imbue their existence with meaning.
8. “The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of our life, the clearer we should see through it.”
This quote speaks to Sartre’s understanding of time and existential reflection. As we grow older and face the finite nature of our lives, Sartre suggests that we should gain greater clarity about our existence. Rather than focusing on distractions or superficial concerns, aging brings a heightened awareness of the choices we’ve made and the importance of living authentically.
9. “Every existing thing is born without reason, prolongs itself out of weakness, and dies by chance.”
Sartre’s existentialism is often associated with nihilism, and this quote reflects the sense of absurdity that pervades his philosophy. He rejects the idea of an inherent purpose or order to existence, seeing life as something that comes into being without reason and ultimately ends without meaning. For Sartre, this lack of meaning is not a cause for despair but a freedom to create one’s own values and purpose.
10. “If you’re lonely when you’re alone, you’re in bad company.”
In this quote, Sartre highlights the importance of self-awareness and self-acceptance. To be truly free, one must be comfortable with their own company and learn to find meaning and contentment within themselves. If a person is uncomfortable being alone, it suggests an inability to confront the freedom and responsibility that comes with existence. Sartre’s existentialism calls for individuals to embrace solitude as a necessary condition for personal growth.
11. “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.”
In this famous quote, Sartre critiques traditional gender roles and the way society constructs identity. He argues that women, like all human beings, are not born with an inherent essence; instead, society imposes roles and expectations upon them. This idea became a cornerstone of feminist philosophy, influencing later thinkers like Simone de Beauvoir, Sartre’s partner, who further developed these ideas in her work The Second Sex.
12. “The only way to deal with this life meaningfully is to find one’s passion and throw oneself into it.”
Sartre’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of committing to one’s choices and living authentically. In this quote, he suggests that the key to leading a meaningful life is to find a cause or pursuit that resonates deeply with the individual and to dedicate oneself to it fully. This passion gives direction to one’s existence and provides a sense of purpose in a world devoid of inherent meaning.
13. “Not having the experience you want is an experience.”
In line with his views on existential freedom, Sartre notes that even in situations where things don’t go as planned, we are still actively engaging with our circumstances and making choices. This perspective highlights that our experiences are never wasted, even if they do not align with our desires or expectations. Each moment, whether positive or negative, is an opportunity for self-definition and growth.
14. “Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.”
This quote emphasizes Sartre’s idea of radical freedom. According to Sartre, we are not defined by our nature, circumstances, or social roles, but by the choices we make. Each individual has the power to define their own identity and existence, regardless of external conditions. This is both a liberating and burdensome concept, as it places the full weight of responsibility on the individual.
15. “There is no reality except in action.”
Sartre believed that reality is not something that exists independently of us; rather, it is something we shape through our actions. In this quote, he argues that action is what gives life substance and meaning. Our decisions and behaviors are the only concrete reality we can claim to know, as they are the ways in which we engage with the world.
16. “To choose is to renounce.”
Sartre emphasizes the weight of human freedom, highlighting that every choice we make inherently involves renunciation of other possibilities. By choosing one path, we are simultaneously rejecting others. This quote underscores the responsibility that comes with freedom and the necessity of making difficult decisions in the face of life’s infinite possibilities.
17. “You are your life, and nothing else.”
Sartre’s existentialism rejects any notion of a fixed or predetermined essence. According to Sartre, the only thing that defines us is the life we live, and the choices we make within it. This quote emphasizes the idea that our essence is shaped entirely by our actions and decisions, and that we are not defined by external labels, societal roles, or preconceived notions.
18. “It is not enough to possess a beautiful life; we must also believe that it is beautiful.”
This quote speaks to Sartre’s existential emphasis on subjectivity and perception. A life, in and of itself, is not enough to provide meaning or fulfillment. Instead, it is our belief in the beauty and significance of our lives that gives them value. Sartre underscores the importance of perspective and the way we shape our reality through the meaning we assign to it.
19. “I am condemned to be free.”
This quote expresses the paradox of existential freedom. Sartre argues that humans are “condemned” to freedom because, unlike objects or animals that operate according to predetermined instincts or laws, we have the burden of choosing and creating our own lives. Freedom, then, is not necessarily a source of joy—it is a heavy responsibility.
20. “The other is the one who makes me who I am.”
Sartre explores the idea of intersubjectivity, or the relationship between self and other, as a central theme in his philosophy. This quote reflects his belief that our sense of identity is shaped by our interactions with others. The way we are perceived by others plays a significant role in how we understand ourselves, highlighting the social dimension of human existence. In Sartre’s view, our self-concept is never entirely independent but is influenced by the gaze and judgment of others, which can be both empowering and alienating. This relational aspect of identity formation is a core component of his existential analysis.
21. “The present is always empty because it is always becoming.”
In Sartre’s philosophy, time is dynamic, and the present is always in flux, never static. This quote reflects his understanding of time as something that is constantly moving forward. The present moment is always fleeting and can never be fully grasped because as soon as we attempt to capture it, it becomes part of the past. The awareness of this constant transition between the past, present, and future contributes to the sense of anxiety and freedom central to Sartre’s existentialism.
22. “What do I care about the rest of the world? I care about my own life, about myself.”
This quote highlights Sartre’s radical individualism, which is a defining feature of his philosophy. Sartre believed that individuals must take responsibility for their own lives and find meaning through their own experiences. He rejected external authorities, institutions, or ideologies that claim to define who we are or what we should value. In this view, the self is the most significant concern, and every individual must carve their own path.
23. “A man who is not afraid of the mob will be despised by the mob.”
Sartre was deeply concerned with the tension between individual freedom and the pressures of society. This quote reveals his awareness of how social norms and expectations can stifle personal freedom. Those who dare to reject the collective will or who challenge societal conventions may face rejection and contempt. Sartre’s existentialism calls for the individual to resist conformity and live authentically, even if it means facing alienation or disdain.
24. “Every man is the sum of his actions.”
This quote reinforces Sartre’s view that humans are not defined by inherent qualities but by the actions they take. We are not born with a set of characteristics that determine our fate; instead, we continuously create ourselves through the choices we make. Sartre challenges any belief in an essential nature or destiny, asserting that we are responsible for who we become through our actions and decisions.
25. “You are not just you, you are also the other person you are for others.”
This quote draws attention to the relational nature of human existence. Sartre emphasizes that we are not isolated beings; we are always in relation to others, and our identity is shaped by these interactions. We are not only the person we perceive ourselves to be, but also the person others perceive us to be. In his philosophy, this dual aspect of selfhood—subjective experience and the external gaze—is crucial for understanding human existence.
Conclusion
Jean-Paul Sartre’s philosophy continues to influence modern thought and remains a touchstone for existentialist inquiry. Through his emphasis on freedom, responsibility, and self-creation, Sartre challenges individuals to confront the inherent meaninglessness of existence and to take active roles in shaping their lives. His famous quotes reflect the core themes of his work: the rejection of essentialism, the focus on individual choice, and the burden of responsibility that comes with human freedom.
For Sartre, the human condition is one of existential freedom and, paradoxically, existential anxiety. We are condemned to be free, forced to make choices and create meaning in a world without inherent purpose. Despite the challenges and frustrations this entails, Sartre’s philosophy also empowers individuals to live authentically, without succumbing to the pressures of society or fate. Through his writing, Sartre not only shaped the direction of existentialism but also left a lasting legacy in philosophy, literature, and social thought, challenging generations to think critically about their lives, actions, and the world around them.
Each of the 25 quotes presented here offers insight into the radical ideas Sartre championed, demonstrating his commitment to the exploration of human freedom, subjectivity, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. Sartre’s existentialism is both a call to personal responsibility and an invitation to embrace the uncertainties and freedoms that come with the absence of predetermined meaning in life.