“There is only one day left, always starting over: it is given to us at dawn and taken away from us at dusk.”
- 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
“There is only one day left, always starting over: it is given to us at dawn and taken away from us at dusk.”
Explanation
In this quote, Sartre emphasizes the ephemeral nature of time and existence. The phrase “there is only one day left” refers to the present moment, which is all we truly have. The past is gone, and the future is uncertain, so the only time we can act, reflect, and define ourselves is in the present, from dawn to dusk. Sartre underscores that each day is a new opportunity to begin again, to make choices, and to shape our existence. This continuous starting over is a fundamental part of the human condition, especially in Sartre’s existentialism, where we are free and responsible for how we live our lives, day by day.
The phrase “given to us at dawn and taken away from us at dusk” reinforces the temporary nature of time. Each day is a gift, but it is fleeting. We are always starting over, forced to confront the weight of our freedom and the consequences of our previous actions. Sartre’s emphasis on the present as the only time that truly matters is tied to his belief that existence precedes essence—we are not defined by past actions or future outcomes, but by the decisions we make now, in this moment.
In modern life, this quote can be applied to how we view time in the context of stress, goals, and self-improvement. With the fast pace of contemporary life, many people feel overwhelmed by the expectations and responsibilities that seem to accumulate endlessly. Sartre’s reflection reminds us to focus on the present moment as the only time we can truly act and change. By accepting that each day offers a fresh start, we can avoid being bogged down by past mistakes or paralyzed by future worries. In a world that often feels like it is rushing forward, Sartre’s words encourage us to slow down and embrace the freedom and possibility of the day at hand.
