First published 1948
In this landmark lecture, philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre lays out the core tenets of existentialism. Rejecting rigid systems, Sartre argues that existence precedes essence - we are not bound by a predetermined nature, but create our own meaning through the choices we make. With vivid examples, Sartre demonstrates how this radical freedom also brings great responsibility, as we are the sole authors of our lives. In the wake of World War II, his stirring call for authenticity and self-determination offers a humanist alternative to nihilism and despair.
Genres: philosophy, 20th-century, academic
Vibes: intimate, philosophical, thought-provoking
Tropes: non-fiction, philosophical-fiction
Period: 20th-Century
80 pages · Paperback · Methuen Publishing Ltd.