“I confused things with their names: that is belief.”
- 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
“I confused things with their names: that is belief.”
Explanation
In this quote, Sartre highlights a crucial distinction between the thing itself and the label or concept attached to it. By saying “I confused things with their names,” Sartre is pointing out that belief arises when we take the symbol or representation of an object—its name or description—as the object itself, thereby limiting our understanding and experience of the world. In essence, belief involves accepting a constructed label or idea about something without questioning its true nature or essence. This act of mistaking the name for the reality is a form of self-deception, where the mind imposes a simplified version of reality, preventing us from seeing things as they truly are.
Sartre’s philosophy often emphasized the danger of relying on preconceptions or ready-made ideas, which can obstruct genuine experience and engagement with the world. For him, belief represented a kind of passive acceptance, where individuals rely on societal or inherited meanings instead of actively engaging with the reality in front of them. It connects to his broader existential ideas about authenticity and freedom, where true understanding comes from stripping away constructed meanings and engaging with the world directly, without the filter of prejudices or labels.
In the modern context, this quote can be applied to the way we engage with identity, culture, and even political issues. In today’s world, people often rely on stereotypes, cliches, or predefined categories to define themselves or others. Sartre’s idea encourages us to look beyond labels—whether they relate to gender, race, or even ideas of success—and question whether these labels truly reflect the reality of our experience. By moving beyond these simplistic understandings, we can cultivate a more authentic relationship with the world around us.
