“Acting is a question of absorbing other people’s personalities and adding some of your own experience.”
- 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
“Acting is a question of absorbing other people’s personalities and adding some of your own experience.”
Explanation
In this quote, Sartre describes the process of acting as a fusion of external influences and personal experience. He suggests that to perform a character authentically, an actor must take on the personality traits, emotions, and behaviors of others, essentially inhabiting a character. However, Sartre also emphasizes that acting is not simply a matter of imitation; an actor must add their own unique experience and perspective to the role. This blend of external influence and personal input creates a performance that is both believable and genuine, as the actor transforms the character using their own humanity and understanding of life.
This quote reflects Sartre’s existentialist view that identity and experience are not fixed but are rather shaped through action and interpretation. The actor, much like any individual, must engage with their freedom and responsibility to bring their own essence into the act of playing someone else. This process of absorption and self-integration allows the actor to authentically portray a character while maintaining their own individuality and humanity. The idea is that acting, like all human endeavors, involves creating meaning and expression by fusing external expectations with internal experiences.
In modern contexts, this quote can be applied to creative endeavors beyond acting, such as art, writing, and even personal relationships, where the act of engaging with the world involves absorbing influences from others and interpreting them through our own lens. Whether performing on stage, writing a novel, or engaging in social interactions, we all contribute our personal experiences to shape how we relate to others and how we express ourselves. Sartre’s insight encourages us to recognize the dynamic interplay between external influences and internal perspective, and how both shape the way we define and express our own identity.
