Consciousness is a negation from "summary" of Being and Nothingness by Jean-Paul Sartre
Consciousness is a negation. This means that consciousness is defined by what it is not rather than by what it is. It is a lack, an absence, a void that seeks to fill itself with objects in the world. This negation is the very essence of consciousness, as it constantly strives to overcome itself by projecting itself towards the world. In the act of consciousness, we find ourselves confronted with the world as something separate from us. This separation creates a tension within consciousness, as it tries to bridge the gap between itself and the world. This tension is what drives consciousness to seek objects to fill the void within itself, in an attempt to establish a sense of identity and stability. However, this attempt is ultimately futile, as consciousness can never fully grasp the objects it encounters in the world. This is because consciousness is always in a state of becoming, constantly changing and evolving in relation to the objects it encounters. It is this fluidity and openness that defines consciousness, as it is always in a state of flux, never fixed or stable. In this way, consciousness is a dynamic process of negation and self-overcoming. It is a constant movement towards the world, seeking to transcend its own limitations and boundaries. This movement is what allows consciousness to create meaning and significance in the world, as it strives to make sense of the chaos and ambiguity that surrounds it.- Consciousness is a paradoxical phenomenon, as it is both defined by its lack and its striving towards fulfillment. It is a negation that seeks to affirm itself through its encounters with the world. This tension between lack and fulfillment is what defines the essence of consciousness, as it is always on the brink of becoming something more than itself.
