Existentialist Philosopher- Kierkegaard

Soren Kierkegaard, a Danish writer of philosophy, theology, psychology, literary criticism and more, made his mark in history as the “father of existentialism.” Born in 1813, he lived somewhat of a dull life, hardly ever leaving his hometown of Copenhagen throughout his 42 years.

Raised by a strict religious father, Kierkegaard took those beliefs with him into adulthood, often superstitious of his everyday actions.  As it turns out, most of his works in literature focused on ways to relate his readers to religion and Christianity.

Kierkegaard viewed a person’s life as a “single individual,” often believing only in what is reality rather than abstract thinking, even though he was a strong supporter of faith and “the God-Man” Jesus Christ. Taking everyday life choices, Kierkegaard examined the average persons emotions and approach throughout the occurrence.

Quotes:

“A man who as a physical being is always turned toward the outside, thinking that his happiness lies outside him, finally turns inward and discovers that the source is within him.”

“Face the facts of being what you are, for that is what changes what you are.”

“God creates out of nothing. Wonderful you say. Yes, to be sure, but he does what is still more wonderful: he makes saints out of sinners.”

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.”