Existentialism Is a Humanism by Jean-Paul Sartre [Actionable Summary]

The Book In Three Or More Sentences:

A lecture turned into a short. Precise. Powerful. Thought-provoking book where one of the most dominant European intellectuals simplifies his own theories. In particular, in this work, Jean-Paul Sartre clearly defines the key concept of existentialism. Plainly, we are free to choose who we want to become. We are responsible for creating our own purpose and meaning in life. This title is highly recommended for philosophical nerds and people who accepted the idea of optimistic nihilism – and understand the cosmic insignificance proposed by existential nihilism.

The Core Idea:

Often criticized by other philosophers. The core concept of existentialism and the main subject discussed in this book is that “existence precedes essence”. You are what you make of yourself. You are not “created” to accomplish a particular deed. There is no prior plan developed before your birth to guide you. You are free to invent your purpose and, from there, set goals and act based on your own values.

Reason To Read:

Reading Sartre’s Existentialism is a Humanism can be both discouraging and stimulating. Stimulating because you’re told that you have the freedom to realize yourself. Create a meaningful life based on what you want. At the same time though, discouraging because if you fail. If you screw up. Well, this means that it’s your own damn fault and no one else’s.

5 Key Lessons from Existentialism Is a Humanism:

Lesson #1: Existence Precedes Essence

Consider the object closest to you right now. Say that it’s a lamp. Or the sofa you’re laying on right now.

This object was produced by someone – an individual or a team of people working in a company. And that someone created the thing with a clear idea of what it should do.

A sofa has a definite purpose even before the first element is added to the design table. And the manufacturer himself knows what the concept of a sofa is and he’s also familiar with the necessary production techniques.

This is what Satre calls “production precedes essence.”

The essence of a thing is based on the production formula. It’s predefined and predictable. You know what the end result will look like and you also know what type of actions this item will do.

Now consider yourself for a moment.

Were you created with a specific mission in life?

Even if you’re lucky enough to know what your life should be aimed at. This was determined during your lifetime, not before that.

That’s the short version of “existence precedes essence”.

You are born. You materialize in the world. You gain a bit of wisdom. Experience. Knowledge. And then, at some point, you define yourself.

As brutal as it might sound. You are nothing when you are born. You become someone only after you are being thrown into existence.

“If man as existentialists conceive of him cannot be defined, it is because to begin with he is nothing. He will not be anything until later, and then he will be what he makes of himself.” Jean-Paul Sartre