Being and Nothingness: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Being and Nothingness, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Two kinds of being
Sartre distinguishes being-in-itself, the solid, fixed existence of things like stones, from being-for-itself, the conscious existence of humans.
Human consciousness is never simply what it is; it is always reaching beyond itself towards possibilities.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Consciousness brings nothingness
Sartre argues that consciousness introduces nothingness into the world.
We can imagine what is not, notice absences and question things, which shows that we are not fixed like objects. Absence is part of experience.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Humans are radically free
Sartre argues that humans are condemned to be free: we must always choose, and nothing outside us, not nature, God or society, determines our choices.
Even refusing to choose is a choice.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Freedom brings anguish
Recognising our total freedom causes anguish, Sartre explains.
We realise that we alone are responsible for who we become, with no excuses to fall back on. There is no escape from choosing.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Bad faith hides our freedom
Sartre describes bad faith: lying to ourselves by pretending we are not free.
People in bad faith blame circumstances, roles or human nature for choices they actually make. It is a common evasion.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
A waiter plays a role
Sartre gives the example of a café waiter whose movements are a little too precise, as if he is playing the role of a waiter.
He tries to become a thing, a waiter, denying his freedom.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Others see us as objects
Sartre describes the Look: when someone looks at us, we feel turned into an object in their eyes.
Relations with others involve a struggle between freedom and being judged. Shame reveals this.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
We are responsible for ourselves
Sartre concludes that because we are free, we are responsible for our choices and for the meaning we give our lives.
This responsibility is heavy but also a source of dignity.
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