The Wisdom of Sartre

The Wisdom of Sartre offers key excerpts from the eloquent French writer, playwright, and philosopher’s masterpiece, Being and Nothingness. From this collection, readers will discover the strongest themes in his early philosophical work: an ontological account of what it means to be human, and the role of perception, knowledge, and consciousness in the practical demands of life. Sartre’s view that man’s freedom is a unique source of both misery and pleasure and that the question of which will prevail depends on man’s awareness and commitment to his freedom is both thought provoking and timely.

Jean-Paul Sartre (1905–1980) was a significant voice in the creation of existential thought. He explored the ways human existence is unique among all life-forms in its capacity to choose. Sartre’s work continues to influence fields such as Marxist philosophy, sociology, and literary studies. He was awarded the 1964 Nobel Prize in Literature, but refused the honor.