“All human actions are equivalent and all are on principle doomed to failure.”
- 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”
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Quote
“All human actions are equivalent and all are on principle doomed to failure.”
Explanation
In this quote, Sartre expresses a deep existentialist perspective on the nature of human action and existence. The first part, “All human actions are equivalent,” reflects the idea that no action, in the grand scope of existence, holds absolute or inherent meaning. This speaks to the absurdity of life from an existentialist viewpoint—since existence itself has no preordained purpose or higher meaning, all human actions are equally significant (or insignificant) in the cosmic scale. Sartre’s point is that, regardless of our individual intentions or societal roles, our actions ultimately do not escape the absurdity of existence.
The second part of the quote, “all are on principle doomed to failure,” acknowledges the inevitable limitation of human effort. In Sartre’s view, failure is inherent in the human condition because we are trapped in a world without inherent meaning or direction. No matter how much we strive or create meaning through our actions, there is always a fundamental failure in achieving true, lasting fulfillment or purpose. This doomed failure is not necessarily a pessimistic or nihilistic view, but rather an invitation to embrace the freedom that comes with the acceptance of life’s impermanence and uncertainty.
This quote can be understood in modern contexts as a reflection on the fragility and ephemeral nature of human pursuits—whether in personal goals, societal systems, or global efforts. Sartre’s perspective invites individuals to accept that while human actions may not lead to ultimate success or fulfillment, they are still valuable in their own right, as expressions of freedom and choice. In the face of failure, we are free to continue creating meaning and shaping our existence, even if those efforts are ultimately transient or imperfect. The key existential insight here is that failure does not diminish the importance of living authentically and pursuing our own path, despite the inherent limitations of human existence.
