The idea that existence comes before essence is a cornerstone of Jean-Paul Sartre’s existentialist philosophical system. It implies that humans create their essence via their choices and actions in life rather than being born with a predetermined nature or purpose. Sartre believed that a person’s existence, or the fact that they were alive, came before their essence or the characteristics and characteristics that defined them. Sartre believed that people were free to create their own identities and were not constrained by other forces like their genes, upbringing, or cultural standards (Mirkhan, 2022). Therefore, the fact that everything, including people, have an essence or inherent nature, it is possible to see Sartre’s claim that “existence precedes essence” as an exaggeration. Sartre contends that this essence, instead of being predetermined or fixed, is molded by people’s life decisions and deeds (Mirkhan, 2022). The notion that existence comes before essence highlights the importance of personal choice and accountability in creating one’s identity and purpose in life.
Moreover, understanding and being aware of our essence may be necessary for human existence to have any significance. But for most people, it is more common that their life shapes their essence than the other way around. Sartre’s assertion suggests that being “human” is a concept or idea that comes after existence in this sense (Mirkhan, 2022). For instance, a person can decide to pursue a career in medicine because they value giving back to society. In this situation, their existence, the decisions they make, and the acts they take in life define their essence, the attributes of being kind and sensitive. Other philosophical perspectives, such as essentialism, contend that a person’s existence is only an expression of their permanent, unchanging nature. In Sartre’s opinion, this viewpoint was constrictive and did not account for the full range of human freedom and potential (Mirkhan, 2022). Therefore, although Sartre’s assertion that “existence precedes essence” may be considered exaggerated, it also emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and choice in determining one’s identity and purpose.
Reference
Mirkhan, S. K. (2022). Self-wisdom in Jean-Paul Sartre’s nausea: An existential study. Qalaai Zanist Scientific Journal, 7(1). Web.