Sartre - Gerd A. Bornheim

A Life of Passion and Philosophy

Jean-Paul Sartre was a French philosopher, playwright, novelist, screenwriter, political activist, biographer, and literary critic. He was a leading figure in the existentialist movement of the mid-twentieth century. Sartre's work explored issues of personal responsibility, freedom, and the human condition.

Early Life and Education

Jean-Paul Sartre was born in Paris, France, on June 21, 1905. His father, Jean-Baptiste Sartre, was a naval officer who died of yellow fever when Sartre was only 15 months old. His mother, Anne-Marie Schweitzer, was the daughter of a Lutheran pastor. Sartre was raised by his mother and grandparents in a strict Protestant household.

Sartre showed a talent for writing at an early age. He attended the Lycée Henri-IV in Paris, where he excelled in his studies. In 1924, he entered the École Normale Supérieure, one of the most prestigious universities in France. At the École Normale, Sartre studied philosophy under the guidance of Henri Bergson and Maurice Merleau-Ponty.

Philosophical Thought

Sartre's philosophical thought was influenced by a wide range of thinkers, including Edmund Husserl, Martin Heidegger, and Søren Kierkegaard. Sartre's own philosophy is often referred to as existentialism, a term that he initially rejected but later embraced.

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes the importance of individual existence, freedom, and choice. Sartre argued that humans are not simply the sum of their experiences or their environment. Rather, they are free to create their own lives and to choose their own values.

Sartre's most famous philosophical work is Being and Nothingness (1943). In this work, Sartre argues that human beings are fundamentally "nothingness." This nothingness is not a lack of being, but rather a potential for being. Humans are free to choose to be anything they want to be.

Literary Works

Sartre was also a prolific writer of fiction and drama. His most famous literary works include the novels Nausea (1938) and The Age of Reason (1947), and the plays No Exit (1944) and The Flies (1943).

Sartre's literary works explore many of the same themes as his philosophical work. His characters are often faced with difficult choices and must decide how to live their lives in an authentic way.

Political Activism

Sartre was also a political activist. He was a member of the French Communist Party from 1948 to 1956. He later became a vocal critic of the Soviet Union and its satellite states.

Sartre's political activism was motivated by his belief in the importance of individual freedom. He argued that communism, as practiced in the Soviet Union, was a form of totalitarianism that suppressed individual freedom.

Legacy

Jean-Paul Sartre died in Paris on April 15, 1980. He was 74 years old. Sartre is considered one of the most important philosophers of the twentieth century. His work has had a profound impact on philosophy, literature, and political thought.

Why You Should Read Sartre

Sartre's work is essential reading for anyone interested in philosophy, literature, or political thought. His work is challenging, but it is also rewarding. Sartre's insights into the human condition can help you to understand yourself and the world around you in a new way.

If you are looking for a book that will challenge you and make you think, then I highly recommend reading Sartre. His work is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

Where to Buy Sartre

Sartre's work is available in a variety of formats, including print, ebook, and audiobook. You can find his work at most major bookstores and online retailers.

I encourage you to buy Sartre's work and to read it for yourself. I am confident that you will find his work to be both enjoyable and thought-provoking.