Existentialist Philosopher- Sartre

Jean-Paul Sartre is known as one of the leading figures in the philosophy of existentialism. Born in Paris on June 21st, 1905 to two people of prominent families, Sartre went on to become a well-known philosopher, playwright, screenwriter, political activist and literary critic, but his ideas on existentialism have made the largest impact.

 In La Nuesse, a novel he calls his manifesto of existentialism, Sartre explains his beliefs that our ideas are the product of real life experiences and situations. In other words, rather than trying to understand the world as it is, he pushes for an understanding of human existence. Sartre continued his theory in other works of literature throughout his life including lending his name and writings to help end the struggle against French colonialism in Africa, but La Nuesse remain his greatest success.
Jean-Paul Sartre has continued to be known as a symbol and icon of resistance, imperialism, heroism and many other political forces throughout the world as many believe he will remain in the future to come.

Popular quotes by Jean-Paul Sartre include:

“Life has no meaning the moment you lose the illusion of being eternal.”
“Man can will nothing unless he has first understood that he must count on no one but himself; that he is alone, abandoned on earth in the midst of his infinite responsibilities, without help, with no other aim than the one he sets himself, with no other destiny than the one he forges for himself on this earth.”
“That God does not exist; I cannot deny, that my whole being cries out for God I cannot forget.”