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Man is fully responsible for his nature and his choices.
Jean-Paul Sartre
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Humans are accountable for their actions and the essence of their character.

This quote by Jean-Paul Sartre emphasizes the existentialist belief that individuals are the architects of their own lives. It suggests that our choices define us and that we must take responsibility for our decisions, understanding that our essence is shaped by our actions rather than predetermined by external factors or societal expectations.

Themes

ResponsibilityChoicesExistentialismNatureIdentity

In practice

Example use cases

In a philosophy class discussing ethics, this quote can prompt a debate about moral responsibility.

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I wanted pure love: foolishness; to love one another is to hate a common enemy: I will thus espouse your hatred. I wanted Good: nonsense; on this earth and in these times, Good and Bad are inseparable: I accept to be evil in order to become good.
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Night is falling: at dusk, you must have good eyesight to be able to tell the Good Lord from the Devil.
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