Book Details

Existence and Nothingness

Existence and Nothingness

Jean Paul Sartre / Life·Reading·New Knowledge Sanlian Bookstore /September 1, 2014

Being and Nothingness is an important philosophical work written by French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre in 1943. In this book, Sartre puts forward his unique philosophical viewpoint, emphasizing that human existence is self-existent and has transcendent characteristics. He believes that human beings are not only part of the material world, but also define their existence through their own consciousness, choices and behaviors. In addition, he also explores core philosophical issues such as freedom, responsibility and the relationship between people and others, which has a profound impact on contemporary philosophy and humanistic thinking. This work is an important milestone in Sartre's philosophical thought. It not only won him international reputation, but also became a classic in the history of 20th century philosophy. By reading Being and Nothingness, readers can have a deep understanding of Sartre's philosophical thoughts and his unique insights into human existence and freedom, so as to enlighten their own thinking and outlook on life.


Outline Notes

Summary of Being and NothingnessPart I: Phenomenological OntologyChapter 1: Phenomenon of Phenomenon - Phenomenon and Reality - Phenomenon is the existence that appears, not the hidden essence. - Reality is manifested through phenomenon, without assuming the reality beyond phenomenon. - Intentionality of Consciousness - Consciousness is always the consciousness of something, that is, the intentional structure. - Intentional activity (noesis) and intentional object (noema) are related to each other. Chapter 2: Being-in-itself and Being-for-itself - Being-in-itself - Non-reflective, indifferent state of existence. - Cannot obtain meaning through internal negation. - Being-for-itself - Existence realized through self-reflection and free choice. - Existence that always seeks to transcend its current state. Chapter 3: The Foundation of Being and Nothingness - Introduction of Nothingness - Nothingness is not the opposite of existence, but the original condition of existence. - The nihilation of the for-itself is the revelation of existence. - Origin of Value - The generation of value comes from the choice and behavior of the for-itself. - Value is therefore relative, and there is no absolute value. Part II: Transcendence and FreedomChapter 4: As a Free Person - Transcendence of Man - The essence of human existence lies in constantly transcending oneself. - The basic manifestation of transcendence lies in planning for the future. - Freedom and Choice - Freedom is unconditional and inalienable. - Choice is the embodiment of freedom, and taking responsibility is the way to achieve freedom. Chapter 5: Consciousness and Temporality - The Flux of Time - Time is not a priori, but is constructed in consciousness. - The three dimensions of time (past, present, and future) are an indivisible whole. - Existence beyond Time - Transcend the passage of time through pure reflection of consciousness. - Free choice realizes eternity in the passage of time. Part III: Others and MeChapter 6: The Problem of Others - The Emergence of Other Consciousness - Others are not my objects, but another subject. - Encountering others is an important factor in the formation of self-consciousness. - Existence for Others - My self-being is proved by the existence of others. - The gaze of others is a restriction and challenge to my freedom. Chapter 7: Coexistence and Collective Self - The basic relationship between me and others - The basic relationship is the contradictory unity of conflict and coexistence. - Mutual recognition and mutual respect are possible ways to resolve conflicts. - Group and individual - The collective self is the dialectical unity of the individual and the group. - The individual seeks to realize his freedom and responsibility in the group.


Catchy Sentences

Of course, Jean-Paul Sartre's Being and Nothingness is a classic in the history of philosophy, which is full of profound thinking and unique insights. The following are wonderful sentences or paragraphs selected from the book, each of which shines with wisdom in its own unique way. For ease of reading, I divide these sentences or paragraphs into three parts. Part I 1. "Existence precedes essence." - This is a famous slogan in Sartre's philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of people's free choice and action in defining their own essence. 2. "Man is thrown into existence by himself, and thrown into freedom by himself." - This sentence reveals the uniqueness of human existence, that is, we must face freedom and choose our own path. 3. "If we exist, we must exist to a certain extent, because existence cannot be half-existence." - Sartre emphasizes the absoluteness of existence here, challenging our traditional cognition of the real world. 4. "Nothingness is the negation of existence, but it does not mean that it is nothing." - This sentence expresses Sartre's profound understanding of nothingness. Nothingness is not simply non-existence, but a special form of existence. 5. "Human reality cannot escape this dilemma: either be a person of action, or be nothing." - Sartre pointed out the dilemma of human existence. We must define ourselves through action. Part II 6. "Freedom is the freedom to choose, not the freedom not to choose." - This sentence explains the true meaning of freedom, that is, freedom is not inaction, but the result of positive choice. 7. "Man, before he throws himself into the future, nothing exists." - Sartre emphasized the importance of the future in defining human existence. Our future is shaped by our own choices and actions. 8. "Man is destined to be free, which means that, except for freedom itself, people cannot find any other restrictions in his freedom." - This sentence expresses the absoluteness of freedom. Freedom is the essential attribute of human beings. 9. "If God does not exist, then at least there is something that exists before essence, and there is something that cannot be deduced as a reason for its existence. This thing is man." - Sartre challenged traditional religious beliefs here and put forward the view that man as existence precedes essence. 10. "I think, therefore I am is no longer the primary principle, I should be: I act, therefore I am." - This is a famous rewrite of Descartes' "I think, therefore I am", emphasizing the key role of action in defining human existence. Part III 11. "Man is free, even among stones." - This sentence expresses the universality and inalienability of freedom. No matter what the environment is, people have the right to choose freely. 12. "Anxiety is the clue of freedom." - Sartre linked anxiety with freedom, believing that anxiety is our inevitable emotional response when faced with free choice. 13. "Man is a useless passion." - This sentence expresses the contradiction and complexity of human existence in a unique language style. 14. "I can't do anything about the past, but I can always change the future." - Sartre emphasized the unidirectionality of time and the variability of the future, encouraging us to influence and change the future through action. 15. "Others are hell." - This is a famous quote by Sartre about interpersonal relationships, pointing out the relationship of mutual influence and mutual restriction between people. The above are 15 wonderful sentences or paragraphs selected from Being and Nothingness. Due to space limitations, I cannot give more content, but these are enough to show the profound connotation and unique charm of Sartre's philosophy. I hope these contents can inspire and help readers.


Author Introduction

Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980) was a French philosopher, writer, playwright and political activist, considered one of the most important thinkers of the 20th century.< His works cover a wide range of fields including philosophy, literature, drama and politics, and have had a profound impact on modern thought.

Basic Personal Information: Sartre was born in Paris, France.< His family background was relatively ordinary, but he showed extraordinary academic talent.

He was educated at the Lycée Henri IV in Paris and completed his philosophy education at the École Normale Supérieure.

Education and Career Background: At the École Normale Supérieure, Sartre studied with future famous thinkers such as Simone de Beauvoir, an experience that had an important influence on his later philosophical and literary creation.< After graduation, he became a teacher and studied at the University of Leipzig in Germany from 1931 to 1933, studying the phenomenology of Husserl and Heidegger.

Writing Career: Sartre's writing career began in the 1930s, and his first novel, La Nausée, was published in 1938, marking the beginning of his literary creation.< In 1943, his philosophical masterpiece, L'Être et le Néant, was published, which established his position in the philosophical world.

Style and Themes of Works: Sartre's writing style is characterized by profound philosophical thinking and in-depth exploration of human nature.< His main philosophical thought is existentialism, which emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility.

In his literary works, this thought is transformed into a profound portrayal of the human condition.

Personal Life: Sartre's personal life is equally remarkable.< His relationship with Simone de Beauvoir is considered one of the most famous intellectual partnerships of the 20th century.

Their relationship was based on mutual respect and personal freedom, rather than the traditional form of marriage.

Social Influence: Sartre's social influence is not limited to academia.< He also actively participated in political activities and opposed colonialism, racial discrimination and war.

He was the winner of the 1964 Nobel Prize in Literature, but he declined the honor on the grounds that he did not want to be institutionalized.

Quotes and reviews: Sartre's philosophical and literary works have been widely praised.< The New York Times called him "one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century," while The Guardian commented that his work "changed our understanding of freedom, responsibility, and the human condition.

" Updates: Although Sartre died in 1980, his thoughts and works remain active in academic and cultural discussions.< His works are constantly being republished and translated, and new studies and interpretations are constantly emerging.

Sartre's life was a relentless exploration of freedom, responsibility, and the human condition, and his works and ideas continue to inspire readers and scholars around the world.


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