“Like all dreamers, I mistook disenchantment for truth.”
- June 21, 1905 – April 15, 1980
- Born in France
- Philosopher, novelist, playwright
- He advocated existentialism and had a major influence on 20th century thought through works such as “Being and Nothingness” and “Nausea”
table of contents
Quote
“Like all dreamers, I mistook disenchantment for truth.”
Explanation
In this quote, Sartre reflects on the illusion that disillusionment or cynicism might offer some kind of ultimate truth. The phrase “like all dreamers” suggests that people, when confronted with the harsh realities of life, often move from an initial idealism or hope toward a sense of disenchantment. However, Sartre points out that disenchantment—the loss of idealism and the recognition of the world’s flaws—can be mistaken for a clearer understanding of truth. In reality, this disenchantment may simply be another form of escapism, a way to disengage from the possibility of hope, action, or deeper meaning. It is, in a sense, a mental defense against the challenge of finding authentic purpose in a complex world.
Sartre’s existentialism often challenges the idea that one can passively accept the world’s limitations or injustices. By calling disenchantment a mistake, he urges us to reject the belief that mere recognition of suffering or disillusionment is sufficient to define the truth of our existence. Instead, action and engagement are key, as they allow individuals to create meaning despite—or because of—the world’s flaws. In this sense, truth is not something that arrives from the outside, but something that individuals create through their choices and responses to reality.
In modern life, this quote resonates with the experience many people face as they grow older or encounter challenges in their personal or professional lives. Disillusionment can be an understandable reaction when expectations are unmet, but Sartre’s insight warns against confusing this sense of loss with an understanding of truth. In today’s context, people might turn to cynicism in response to political, social, or personal disappointments. Sartre reminds us that the true truth does not lie in resignation or apathy but in active engagement with the world and the continued pursuit of meaning and purpose, even amidst disenchantment.
