“Existence precedes essence” is a core idea in existentialism. It means people define themselves through actions, not a pre-set nature. Jean-Paul Sartre, a key existentialist, used this phrase to reject the idea that humans have a fixed purpose. Instead, he argued that individuals create their own meaning.
This challenges religious and philosophical beliefs that assign purpose at birth. The idea emerged in response to essentialism, which claims essence comes first. Existentialists emphasize freedom, responsibility, and personal choice. This philosophy remains relevant today, shaping discussions on identity, purpose, and ethics in a constantly changing world.
What Does “Existence Precedes Essence” Mean?
The Difference Between Existence and Essence
In traditional philosophy, “essence” refers to the fundamental nature of a thing—its defining characteristics that make it what it is. For centuries, thinkers like Plato and Aristotle believed that everything, including human beings, had an essence that determined its purpose. For example, a knife’s essence is to cut, and its design reflects that purpose. Applied to humans, this view suggests that people are born with a predetermined nature, role, or purpose.
Existentialism, particularly Sartre’s version, turns this idea upside down. Sartre argues that humans first exist without any given essence. They then define themselves through choices, actions, and experiences. Unlike a knife, a human has no built-in function. Instead, each person shapes their own identity and meaning. This shift places responsibility on individuals to create their own purpose rather than discovering a pre-existing one.
Breaking Down Sartre’s Revolutionary Idea
Jean-Paul Sartre introduced the phrase “existence precedes essence” in his 1945 lecture Existentialism Is a Humanism. His goal was to counter the idea that human beings are born with a fixed nature. Sartre argued that people are radically free to define themselves, a concept that was both liberating and unsettling. If humans have no predetermined essence, then each individual is responsible for shaping their identity. This idea rejects fate, divine plans, or any external authority dictating human purpose.
Sartre’s philosophy also ties closely to responsibility. If humans are free to define themselves, they must take full ownership of their choices. There is no higher power or external structure to blame. This can be overwhelming, but Sartre viewed it as the ultimate expression of human freedom. His ideas challenged deeply held beliefs about morality, religion, and personal responsibility.
How the Concept Challenges Traditional Philosophies
The idea that existence comes before essence directly opposes essentialist philosophies found in religion and classical thought. Many religious traditions teach that humans are created with a purpose defined by God. In Christianity, for example, people are often seen as having a divine purpose to fulfill. In contrast, existentialism rejects the idea that meaning is handed down from an external source. Instead, individuals must construct meaning for themselves.
This shift also challenges deterministic views, which suggest that factors like fate, nature, or societal roles define individuals. Existentialists argue that while external influences exist, they do not determine a person’s essence. Instead, each person has the responsibility to shape their own identity. This idea influenced later philosophical movements, including postmodernism, and continues to impact discussions on free will, identity, and ethics today.
The Historical and Philosophical Context
The Rise of Existentialism in the 20th Century
Existentialism emerged as a major philosophical movement in the 20th century, gaining traction after World War II. Although its roots can be traced back to earlier thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche, it was during this period that existentialism became widely recognized. The devastation of the war left many questioning traditional values, morality, and the purpose of human existence. In response, existentialist philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus explored themes of freedom, responsibility, and the absurdity of life.
This period also saw a rejection of rigid ideological systems. Many existentialists opposed totalitarianism, which sought to impose collective identities and fixed meanings on individuals. Instead, existentialism emphasized personal choice and self-definition. This made it especially appealing to those disillusioned by authoritarian regimes and oppressive social structures. Through literature, philosophy, and political engagement, existentialism shaped intellectual thought and cultural movements throughout the 20th century.
A Reaction to Essentialism and Religious Views
Existentialism developed as a reaction against essentialist and religious views that dominated Western philosophy for centuries. Essentialism, the belief that things have an inherent essence or purpose, was deeply rooted in classical and medieval thought. Aristotle, for example, argued that everything in nature, including humans, had a specific purpose (or “telos”). Christianity later reinforced this idea, teaching that God created humans with a divine purpose.
Sartre and other existentialists rejected these notions. They argued that if God does not exist, as atheistic existentialism suggests, then there is no preordained purpose for humanity. This idea was unsettling for many because it implied that meaning is not given but must be created. Even religious existentialists, like Gabriel Marcel and Paul Tillich, acknowledged that faith and meaning were matters of individual struggle rather than predetermined truths. Existentialism thus provided an alternative way of thinking about purpose, one that placed responsibility entirely on the individual.
Key Influences on Existentialist Thought
Existentialism did not emerge in isolation. Several key thinkers laid the groundwork for its development. Søren Kierkegaard, often considered the father of existentialism, explored themes of individual struggle, faith, and the anxiety of making choices. He argued that individuals must take personal responsibility for their beliefs, a concept that influenced later existentialists. Friedrich Nietzsche further developed existential themes, famously declaring that “God is dead” and emphasizing the need for individuals to create their own values in a world without inherent meaning.
Phenomenology, developed by Edmund Husserl and expanded by Martin Heidegger, also shaped existentialism. Phenomenology focused on human experience and consciousness, providing a method for analyzing existence. Heidegger’s concept of “being-in-the-world” (Dasein) influenced Sartre’s ideas on freedom and self-definition. Together, these influences helped shape existentialist thought, leading to its prominence in philosophy, literature, and cultural discourse.
Sartre’s Influence on Existentialism
Jean-Paul Sartre’s Vision of Freedom and Responsibility
Jean-Paul Sartre was one of the most influential existentialist philosophers of the 20th century. His work centered on the idea that human beings are fundamentally free and responsible for shaping their own lives. He argued that because existence precedes essence, there is no pre-existing blueprint for what a person should be. This radical freedom means that individuals must make choices without relying on external authorities, traditions, or fixed moral codes. Sartre emphasized that this freedom is both liberating and burdensome, as it forces people to take full accountability for their actions.
Sartre’s philosophy rejected determinism, the idea that human actions are dictated by external forces like biology, fate, or divine will. Instead, he believed in radical personal responsibility. He used the term “bad faith” (mauvaise foi) to describe situations where individuals deceive themselves into thinking they have no choice. For example, a person who claims they are “stuck” in a meaningless job but refuses to take action is engaging in bad faith. Sartre believed that true authenticity comes from embracing one’s freedom and making conscious choices.
The Meaning of “Man is Nothing Else But What He Makes of Himself”
One of Sartre’s most famous statements, “Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself,” encapsulates the existentialist view of human nature. This phrase, from his 1945 lecture Existentialism Is a Humanism, reinforces the idea that individuals define themselves through actions rather than being born with a fixed identity. Unlike traditional views that see human nature as predetermined, Sartre insisted that people create their own essence through decisions and experiences.
This concept carries deep ethical implications. If people are entirely responsible for shaping themselves, they cannot shift blame to society, genetics, or divine will. Sartre believed this responsibility was universal—each person, regardless of circumstances, has the capacity to define themselves through their actions. This idea has influenced not only philosophy but also psychology, literature, and political theory. It encourages self-reflection and challenges individuals to take ownership of their lives.
Sartre’s Major Works and Their Impact
Sartre’s philosophical ideas were developed in both academic works and literature. His most famous philosophical book, Being and Nothingness (1943), explores the nature of consciousness, freedom, and self-deception. He argues that human existence is defined by an ongoing struggle between freedom and the temptation to avoid responsibility. The book remains one of the most comprehensive explorations of existentialist thought.
Sartre also conveyed his ideas through novels and plays. Nausea (1938), his first novel, portrays a protagonist who experiences an existential crisis, realizing that life has no inherent meaning. His play No Exit (1944) famously presents the idea that “hell is other people,” reflecting how individuals shape their own identity through interactions with others. Through these works, Sartre made existentialist philosophy accessible to a wider audience, influencing generations of thinkers, writers, and artists.
“Existence Precedes Essence” in Everyday Life
The Philosophy’s Enduring Appeal in Modern Times
Sartre’s idea that “existence precedes essence” remains relevant in contemporary society. In a world where individuals seek meaning amid constant change, existentialist thought provides a framework for personal responsibility and self-definition. The decline of traditional belief systems, along with the rise of individualism, has made existentialism even more significant. People are no longer bound by rigid social roles or religious doctrines; instead, they must actively shape their own identities.
This philosophy is particularly appealing in an era of rapid technological and social transformation. The internet and globalization have given individuals access to countless perspectives and opportunities, reinforcing the existentialist view that identity is self-created. However, this freedom also brings uncertainty. Without a clear predefined path, many experience anxiety about making the “right” choices. Sartre’s emphasis on personal responsibility offers guidance by encouraging people to embrace their freedom rather than fear it.
How Existentialism Relates to Current Social Issues
The existentialist focus on individual freedom and responsibility has significant implications for modern social issues. In discussions about identity, gender, and personal expression, existentialism supports the idea that people define themselves rather than being limited by societal expectations. This is especially relevant in debates about gender identity and self-determination, where existentialist ideas challenge essentialist notions of fixed roles.
Additionally, existentialism has implications for political and economic issues. In a world where systemic forces often shape people’s opportunities, Sartre’s insistence on personal responsibility raises important questions. While existentialism encourages self-definition, critics argue that it can downplay structural inequalities that limit individual freedom. However, many existentialist thinkers, including Simone de Beauvoir, integrated social critique into their philosophy, emphasizing the need to recognize both individual agency and systemic constraints.
Finding Meaning in a Modern Existential World
One of the core challenges of existentialist thought is finding meaning in a world without inherent purpose. Sartre and other existentialists argued that meaning is not something to be discovered but something to be created. This perspective is particularly relevant today, as traditional sources of meaning—such as religion and cultural traditions—have less influence in many societies. People are left to construct their own sense of purpose through personal projects, relationships, and experiences.
Modern psychology and self-help movements echo existentialist themes by emphasizing personal growth and authenticity. Concepts like “living with intention” or “creating your own path” align closely with existentialist ideas. However, existentialism also acknowledges the anxiety that comes with radical freedom. The lack of a predetermined purpose can be overwhelming, but existentialism encourages individuals to face this uncertainty with courage and responsibility.
Closing Thoughts
The existentialist principle that “existence precedes essence” remains a powerful and thought-provoking idea. It challenges traditional notions of human nature, rejecting the idea that people are born with a predefined purpose. Instead, existentialism places responsibility on the individual to shape their own identity through choices and actions. Jean-Paul Sartre’s contributions to this philosophy continue to influence discussions on freedom, responsibility, and personal meaning.
In today’s world, where people are increasingly encouraged to define their own paths, existentialist ideas are more relevant than ever. Whether in personal identity, social issues, or philosophical reflection, the call to create meaning rather than search for it remains a defining aspect of human existence. While the burden of responsibility can be daunting, it is also what makes true freedom possible. Sartre’s philosophy reminds us that who we become is ultimately in our own hands.