“We do not know what we want and yet we are responsible for what we are – that is the fact.”
- 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
“We do not know what we want and yet we are responsible for what we are – that is the fact.”
Explanation
This statement reflects Sartre’s view on the complexity of human freedom and responsibility. Humans often find themselves caught in a state of uncertainty about their desires, goals, and the meaning of their lives. Sartre suggests that despite this lack of clarity about what we truly want, we are still fundamentally responsible for who we are. This aligns with his existential belief that individuals are condemned to be free, meaning we are not only free to make choices, but also burdened by the responsibility of these choices.
The quote also touches on the idea of bad faith, where people deceive themselves into believing that they do not have control over their actions or their identity. Sartre argued that, in truth, we cannot escape the fact that our actions define us. In modern contexts, this can relate to the challenge of accepting responsibility in a world full of distractions and external pressures. People may struggle to acknowledge that they have the agency to change their lives, often blaming circumstances instead of accepting their own role in shaping their existence.
In today’s world, this idea is relevant in personal growth and self-improvement. Many individuals grapple with uncertainty about their future or their desires, yet the fact remains that how we act, think, and choose shapes our identity. Whether it’s in career decisions, relationships, or how we engage with society, Sartre’s claim reminds us that we must take responsibility for our choices, even when we don’t have clear answers about what we want.
