The most impressive layer of reflections on the philosophy of life and its meaning was provided by the French scientist and philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre. The philosopher gives a cynical idea of the meaning of human existence. Sartre believed that people’s lives are the result of chance. His opinion is most accurately illustrated by the quote, “Every existing thing is born without reason, prolongs itself out of weakness, and dies by chance” (Sartre 105). Thus, the whole diversity of life appears as a cycle of coincidences. Accordingly, there can be no meaning in life, and searching for it will lead nowhere.
Sartre’s reflection on the meaning of life does not lead to any positive conclusions; however, this is what makes him an existentialist. I do not think he is right in his cynical idea that life is a series of accidents and there is no point in looking for something valuable. In my opinion, it is challenging to live without any sense because there is nothing to motivate oneself in difficult situations. However, perhaps Sartre is right that our appearance, life, and death are the will of chance. However, such a conclusion should not lead to the idea that there is no point in existing. The accident that dominates a person’s life says that it can end at any moment, and everyone does not have much time. The transience and fragility of life are precisely what makes it especially valuable.
Thus, it seems that Sartre’s philosophical remarks lead the reader to the opposite of his conclusions. People may not be the product of someone’s plan and do not have a higher mission, but the meaning of life is simply to exist. Sartre comes to a conclusion that, in general, there is nothing to live for, but I derived a different outcome from his reflections. Life is valuable and worthwhile precisely because it is random and fleeting, so people need to fill it with happy and vital moments. Everyone can come up with their own meaning; the main thing is that it motivates them not to give up and overcome difficulties.
Work Cited
Sartre, Jean-Paul. The Essential Jean-Paul Sartre: The Emotions and Essays in Aesthetics. New York, Philosophical Library, 2020.