If a victory is told in detail, one can no longer distinguish it from a defeat.
Jean-Paul SartreRead
Man's existence precedes his essence
Interpretation
This quote highlights the idea that individuals create their own identity and purpose through their actions, rather than being born with a predetermined essence.
Jean-Paul Sartre's assertion 'Man's existence precedes his essence' suggests that human beings first exist without any inherent purpose or definition, and it is through their choices and actions that they create their own essence or meaning in life. This philosophy aligns with existentialism, emphasizing personal responsibility and the freedom to define oneself without relying on external labels or expectations.
In practice
During a philosophy class discussion about existentialism.
If a victory is told in detail, one can no longer distinguish it from a defeat.
All I want is' - and he uttered the final words through clenched teeth and with a sort of shame - 'to retain my freedom.' I should myself have thought,' said Jacques, 'that freedom consisted in frankly confronting situations into which one had deliberately entered, and accepting all one's responsibilities. But that, no doubt, is not your view.
If you are lonely when you're alone, you are in bad company.
A kiss without a moustache, they said then, is like an egg without salt; I will add to it: and it is like Good without Evil.
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.
Night is falling: at dusk, you must have good eyesight to be able to tell the Good Lord from the Devil.
The goal of life is not to possess power but to radiate it.
The man whose whole activity is diverted to inner meditation becomes insensible to all his surroundings.
The town has a sense, not of history, but of time, and the telephone poles seem to know this. If you lay your hand against one, you can feel the vibration from the wires deep within the wood, as if souls had been imprisoned in there and were struggling to get out.
Daily, I examine myself in three areas. Have I done my best when doing things for others? Have I been trustworthy in my dealings with my friends? Have I revised the lessons I have been taught?
Satan can make men dance upon the brink of hell as though they were on the verge of heaven.
When the emperor is crowned or the three dukes are appointed, rather than sending a gift of jade carried by four horses, remain still and offer the Way.
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