Jean-Paul Sartre and Existentialism

Early Life and Background

• Born in Paris, 1905.
• Father was a navy captain, died when Sartre was a baby.
• Very close to his mother until she remarried when he was 12.
• Lived mostly in Paris, frequenting cafes on the Left Bank.
• Had a strabismus and wore heavy glasses; described himself as ugly.
• By the 1960s, became a household name in Europe and the U.S.

Existentialism

• Famous Work: "Being and Nothingness" (1943)
  • Enhanced reputation due to its complex ideas.

Key Insights of Existentialism

1. Things are Weirder than We Think

   • The world can often seem strange and uncanny, moments of logical breakdown.
   • Example: Sartre’s first novel "Nausea" (1938) describes such moments.
   • Concept of the absurdity of the world; stripping away routine stabilizing assumptions.

2. We are Free

   • Life's oddness implies richness in possibilities.
   • Encounter the 'anguish' of existence realizing the lack of pre-ordained purpose.
   • Humans are free to shape their own existence, with infinite possibilities.

3. We Shouldn't Live in 'Bad Faith'

   • Bad faith: living without acknowledging one's freedom.
   • Example: A waiter overly devoted to his role symbolizes lack of personal freedom.
   • Encourages freedom beyond prescribed societal roles.

4. Freedom to Dismantle Capitalism

   • Money perceived as a major constraint to freedom.
   • Capitalism creates false necessities, restricting perceived options.
   • Sartre had a lifelong interest in Marxism and public protest against capitalist norms.
   • Visited and admired leaders like Fidel Castro and Che Guevara.
   • Known for radical politics; monitored by the FBI.

Sartre's Legacy

• Sartre inspires with his view that existence is fluid.
• Urges creation of new institutions, ideas beyond traditional constraints.
• Acceptance of life's lack of inherent meaning can be liberating.