Existentialism is a philosophy of action from "summary" of Being and Nothingness by Jean-Paul Sartre
Existentialism, at its core, is not a passive contemplation of existence but a philosophy that demands action. It is a call to engage with the world and take responsibility for our choices and their consequences. In "Being and Nothingness," Sartre emphasizes that existence precedes essence, meaning that we are defined by our actions rather than any predetermined nature or essence. For Sartre, human beings are condemned to be free, which means that we are constantly faced with the burden of making choices without any predetermined guidelines to follow. This freedom can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing, but it is also what gives our lives meaning and significance. We are not bound by any external factors or predetermined meanings; instead, we create our own values through our actions. To truly embrace existentialism, one must recognize that every action has consequences and that we are responsible for those consequences. This idea of radical responsibility is central to Sartre's philosophy, as it emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of our choices and their outcomes. Inaction or passivity is not an option in existentialism; we must actively engage with the world and make deliberate choices to define ourselves. Sartre argues that we are defined by our actions, not by our thoughts or intentions. While thoughts and feelings are important aspects of human existence, they are ultimately secondary to the concrete actions we take in the world. It is through our actions that we reveal our true selves and create our own unique identity. Existentialism challenges us to confront the absurdity and meaninglessness of existence and to create our own meaning through our actions. By embracing our freedom and taking responsibility for our choices, we can transcend the limitations imposed on us by society or the external world. In the face of a universe devoid of inherent meaning, existentialism offers a path to personal agency and self-creation.
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