Existentialism is a Humanism

Sartre states that there is no inherent human nature or purpose. Unlike a manufactured item, which has a design before it exists, humans are born without a defined identity. We are a blank slate, and our choices, actions, and goals create who we are. This means we are not tied to a 'soul,' a divine plan, or even our past. Every decision we make helps form who we become. This is an active, continuous process of self-creation. It places great responsibility on individuals to define their own meaning and values in a world without inheren...

This statement captures the main idea of Sartre's existentialism. Without a God or a set nature to guide us, we are completely free to choose our path. This freedom is a burden, though, because it comes with the heavy weight of total responsibility. Every choice we make is ours alone. We cannot blame outside forces, genetics, or past events to justify our actions. This absolute freedom means we are the only ones who create our values and the meaning of our lives. This makes us accountable for every part of who we are and the world we ...

Sartre identifies three basic emotional states that come from the human condition: anguish, forlornness, and despair. Anguish is the deep anxiety that comes from knowing the huge responsibility of choosing not only for oneself but, by extension, for all people. Forlornness (or 'abandonment') comes from realizing there is no God or outside moral law to justify our choices or give meaning. We are alone in creating our values. Despair comes from understanding that we can only rely on what we control – our actions – and that many outcomes...

This is one of Sartre's most difficult and often misunderstood claims. He says that when we make a choice, we are not just deciding for ourselves; we are also suggesting that choice as a universal value. By choosing to act in a certain way, we are, in a sense, saying, 'This is how a person should act.' This means every personal decision carries a deep ethical weight, as it helps define what it means to be human. There is no escaping this responsibility; even choosing not to choose is a choice that defines you and, by extension, huma...

Bad faith (mauvaise foi) is Sartre's term for self-deception. It happens when people deny their freedom and responsibility by pretending to be objects or by taking on pre-set roles. This might appear as claiming 'I had no choice,' 'that's just how I am,' or 'society made me do it.' It is an attempt to escape the anxiety of freedom by treating oneself as something determined by outside forces or an unchangeable nature. Sartre sees this as a basic dishonesty, a deliberate turning away from the truth of our complete freedom and the respo...

Sartre redefines humanism, separating it from any divine source. For him, existential humanism says that humans are the ultimate source of value and meaning. Without a God to give commands or a pre-existing plan for humanity, we are fully responsible for creating our own moral code and purpose. This is not permission for negativity, but an empowering call to action. It means we have the dignity and burden of making our own values through our choices and commitments, building a human world based on human goals. It is a humanism of acti...

Sartre stresses that our identity comes from our actions, not from our intentions, potential, or reputation. We are not defined by what we could be, or what others think we are, but by what we do. A coward acts cowardly, regardless of an inner wish to be brave. A hero performs heroic acts. This focus on action means that self-realization is an ongoing process of doing. True identity is always changing, shown through real engagement with the world. It is a strong call to move beyond just thinking or wishing and to show our values...

While Sartre stresses individual freedom, he clarifies that this freedom is not isolated. Our choices naturally involve others. When we choose, we are not only choosing for ourselves but also suggesting a value that, by implication, we believe others should also choose. Also, our self-awareness and self-definition are deeply affected by the 'Other.' We become aware of ourselves in relation to how others see us. This means our freedom is not absolute when we are alone, but exists in a complex, often difficult relationship with everyo...

Sartre strongly rejects all forms of determinism, whether from psychology, biology, or society. While he acknowledges that we are born into specific situations, with certain temperaments and influences, these factors do not decide our choices. We are always free to choose how we react to our circumstances. Even strong feelings or overwhelming emotions do not remove our responsibility; we choose to be swept away by them. This view is very empowering, stating that humans have a natural, constant ability to choose. This makes us the ul...

Despite the serious themes of anxiety and responsibility, Sartre says existentialism is an optimistic idea. This optimism is not simple happiness but a strong belief in human potential and ability. It is an optimism of action, stating that because we are free and responsible, we have the power to create meaning, shape our lives, and affect the world through our choices and commitments. It rejects inaction and fate, calling people to active involvement, to 'make themselves' through their goals. The future is not set, and it is up to ea...