“You must be afraid, my son. That is how one becomes an honest citizen.”
- 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”
Quote
“You must be afraid, my son. That is how one becomes an honest citizen.”
Explanation
In this quote, Sartre critiques the idea that fear is a necessary foundation for social conformity and moral integrity. The statement suggests that fear—whether of punishment, social exclusion, or moral judgment—is used to regulate behavior and ensure that individuals comply with societal norms. In this context, honesty is not presented as a matter of personal conviction or ethical choice, but as a result of external pressure and the need to avoid negative consequences. Sartre’s existential philosophy rejects the idea that moral or ethical behavior should be motivated by fear of repercussions. Instead, he emphasizes that true authenticity and moral action arise from individual freedom and the personal responsibility to choose one’s values, not from external coercion.
By saying “you must be afraid,” Sartre points out the psychological manipulation embedded in societal structures, which often use fear to maintain order and enforce conformity. This reflects his broader critique of bad faith, where individuals deceive themselves into acting in ways that are not authentic to their true selves, simply to align with social expectations. In this case, fear is the mechanism through which people become what society considers “honest citizens,” but Sartre would argue that such compliance lacks true moral substance, as it is driven by the fear of consequences rather than genuine ethical conviction.
In the modern world, this quote can be seen as a critique of how social pressure, laws, and norms often shape people’s behavior through the use of fear. From political systems that enforce loyalty through fear of punishment, to social structures that enforce conformity through shame or judgment, Sartre’s insight challenges us to reconsider the motivations behind our actions. True ethical behavior, he would argue, should not stem from fear of consequences, but from the freedom to act authentically and take responsibility for our choices.
