Existentialism Is a Humanism by Jean-Paul Sartre — Book Review/Summary
“Man Shall Attain Existence Only When He Is What He Projects Himself to Be — Not What He Would Like to Be”
Let me start by saying that I am new to my philosophical endeavors so please take my words with a grain of salt. My summary/review reflects my interpretation of Sartre’s work. If you feel that I have misinterpreted something, I welcome you to challenge my article. I am interested in hearing the perspective of others and hope you will provide your input.
“Existentialism is a humanism” is a transcribed lecture that Jean-Paul Sartre gave in Paris in 1945. The objective of Sartre’s lecture was to defend existentialism against its two main opponents — Christians, and Marxists.
What is existentialism?
Although Kierkegaard and Nietzsche are considered pioneers of existentialist philosophy, the term did not exist until 1945 when French philosopher Gabriel Marcel used it in reference to Jean-Paul Sartre (also a French philosopher). Sartre did not approve of this title at first but soon went on to embrace it.
In Sartre’s words, “Existentialism is a doctrine that makes human life possible and also affirms that every truth and every action imply…
