Q0087
“Existence precedes essence.” — Jean-Paul Sartre (Existentialism Is a Humanism)
Verified English quotation. Primary source: Existentialism Is a Humanism. Theme: freedom.
English
Existence precedes essence.
Source and attribution
The archive attributes this English wording to Existentialism Is a Humanism and files it under Existentialism. That locator distinguishes the passage from loose internet attributions: readers can return to the named work or section to check translation, surrounding argument, and edition-specific wording.
About Jean-Paul Sartre
Jean-Paul Sartre (1905–1980) was the public face of French existentialism, author of Being and Nothingness, plays, novels, and political essays. Captured in World War II, he later co-founded Les Temps modernes and refused the 1964 Nobel Prize.
How to read this passage
Philosophers distinguish several ideas under the single word freedom. Negative freedom emphasizes non-interference; positive freedom emphasizes the capacity to act according to reasons, virtue, or authentic desire. This passage enters that discussion through freedom, responsibility, self.
Concepts in this quote
- Freedom
- Freedom is among the most searched and most contested themes in philosophy: what it is to choose, to be responsible, and to live without illegitimate constraint.
- Responsibility
- Responsibility asks what we answer for—our choices, omissions, institutions, and the futures we help create.
- Self
- Philosophy quotes about self explore identity, responsibility, and the examined life—from Socrates’ unexamined life to modern phenomenology and existential authenticity.
How to cite this quotation
APA: Jean-Paul Sartre. (n.d.). Existence precedes essence. In Philosophy Blind Box. https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0087
MLA: Jean-Paul Sartre. “Existence precedes essence..” Philosophy Blind Box, https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0087.
Chicago: Jean-Paul Sartre. “Existence precedes essence..” Philosophy Blind Box. Accessed 2026. https://www.philosophydef.com/quotes/q0087.
Frequently asked questions
What is the source of the quotation “Existence precedes essence.”?
The passage is attributed to Jean-Paul Sartre, Existentialism Is a Humanism. The archive attributes this English wording to Existentialism Is a Humanism and files it under Existentialism. That locator distinguishes the passage from loose internet attributions: readers can return to the named work or section to check translation, surrounding argument, and edition-specific wording.
What does Jean-Paul Sartre mean by freedom?
Philosophers distinguish several ideas under the single word freedom. Negative freedom emphasizes non-interference; positive freedom emphasizes the capacity to act according to reasons, virtue, or authentic desire. This passage enters that discussion through freedom, responsibility, self.