“Every existing thing is born without reason, prolongs itself out of weakness, and dies by chance.”
- 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
“Every existing thing is born without reason, prolongs itself out of weakness, and dies by chance.”
Explanation
In this quote, Sartre expresses a starkly existential view of the human condition and the nature of existence. By stating that every existing thing is “born without reason,” Sartre emphasizes that existence itself does not come with inherent purpose or meaning—we are not born for a specific reason or with a predefined essence. This aligns with his philosophy of existentialism, where existence precedes essence, meaning that human beings are thrown into the world without any intrinsic meaning, and must create their own meaning and purpose through actions and choices.
The phrase “prolongs itself out of weakness” suggests that life is often sustained not by a grand purpose or design, but by sheer will and survival instinct. Human beings, and all life forms, continue to exist not because they have a fixed purpose, but because of the inherent drive to survive. This can be seen as an existential reflection on the fragility of life—the idea that survival is often driven by circumstance or necessity, rather than an active or conscious decision to find meaning.
Lastly, the idea that “dies by chance” underscores the randomness and uncertainty of death. There is no predestined moment for the end of life, and death does not come with a plan or reason; it is as random and unpredictable as life itself. Sartre’s view of death as a chance event reflects the absurdity of existence—the realization that life has no inherent meaning, and neither does death. This can be liberating, as it places the onus on the individual to create meaning in the face of this randomness, but it can also be unsettling, as it highlights the uncertainty and impermanence of life.
In modern times, this quote challenges us to confront the chaotic nature of existence, especially in a world where uncertainty, discovery, and random events play large roles in our lives. Sartre’s perspective invites reflection on how individuals cope with the absence of inherent meaning and the randomness of life—urging us to live authentically and take responsibility for our own meaning, even in a world where things are born without reason, sustained by weakness, and end by chance.
