“It disturbs me no more to find men base, unjust, or selfish than to see apes mischievous, wolves savage, or the vulture ravenous.”
- 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
“It disturbs me no more to find men base, unjust, or selfish than to see apes mischievous, wolves savage, or the vulture ravenous.”
Explanation
In this quote, Sartre compares the moral flaws of humans to the natural instincts of animals, suggesting that human nature is just as predetermined and unchangeable as the behavior of other species. He argues that just as we do not expect apes to be anything other than mischievous, or wolves to behave in a way that is not savage, we should not be disturbed by the baseness, injustice, or selfishness that we observe in humans. Sartre’s existentialism challenges the idea that human behavior is governed by any inherent moral framework or divine purpose. Instead, humans, like animals, are driven by instincts, desires, and circumstances, and so their flaws or vices should be viewed as part of the natural state of existence, not as moral failures.
This quote reflects Sartre’s view that human nature is not something fixed or divinely given, but is instead shaped by freedom and individual choice. While humans are capable of great moral freedom and responsibility, they are also subject to the same basic instincts and irrational impulses that can lead to immoral behavior. Sartre’s comparison suggests that just as we don’t hold animals morally accountable for their instincts, we should not be surprised by the negative aspects of human behavior, but instead, recognize them as part of the human condition.
In modern contexts, this quote challenges the expectations we place on others, particularly in a world where people often strive for perfection and moral superiority. It suggests that human flaws—greed, selfishness, cruelty—are not necessarily the exceptions but the rule in the broader context of human existence. Sartre’s insight invites us to accept that imperfection is part of being human, and instead of being disturbed by these flaws, we should focus on how we respond to them, both in ourselves and in others, and how we choose to live authentically in spite of these imperfections.
