Readers describe "Existentialism is a Humanism" by Jean-Paul Sartre as an accessible introduction to his brand of existentialism. The book emphasizes the idea that life is meaningless, but it is the responsibility of individuals to create their own meaning. Sartre discusses human accountability, freedom, and the concept that man exists through his actions and decisions. The book is noted for being thought-provoking and providing insights into existentialism in a simplified manner that can be easily understood by readers.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and accessible, designed for readers unfamiliar with philosophical concepts.

Plot/Storyline:

The text is organized into three main sections that encompass an introductory context, a straightforward lecture on existentialism, and commentary on another philosophical work.

Setting:

The setting is rooted in the philosophical landscape of post-war Europe, focusing on existential themes.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick, facilitating a fast read, but can be disrupted by challenging sections.

Notes:

The book is divided into three parts: an introduction, a transcription of a lecture, and commentary on Camus's The Stranger.

The introduction is engaging and provides historical context for Sartre's lecture.

The transcribed lecture serves as an accessible entry into existentialism, making complex ideas easier to understand.

The book is relatively short, under 100 pages, making it a quick read.

Many readers appreciate the commentary on The Stranger, but it's best understood after reading the novel.

Sartre defends existentialism against criticisms of nihilism and despair, emphasizing its humanistic aspects.

The book encourages readers to consider their responsibilities in creating their own meaning in life.

It is seen as a great introductory text for those interested in existential philosophy.

Sartre's arguments are described as better suited for understanding psychology rather than serving as a coherent metaphysical framework.

The book has inspired readers to reflect on their own lives and take action to change their circumstances.

From The Publisher:

A fresh translation of two seminal works of existentialism

"To understand Jean-Paul Sartre is to understand something important about the present time."-Iris Murdoch

"Sartre matters because so many fundamental points of his analysis of the human reality are right and true, and because their accuracy and veracity entail real consequences for our lives as individuals and in social groups."-Benedict O'Donohoe, Philosophy Now

It was to correct common misconceptions about his thought that Jean-Paul Sartre, the most dominent European intellectual of the post-World War II decades, accepted an invitation to speak on October 29, 1945, at the Club Maintenant in Paris. The unstated objective of his lecture ("Existentialism Is a Humanism") was to expound his philosophy as a form of "existentialism," a term much bandied about at the time. Sartre asserted that existentialism was essentially a doctrine for philosophers, though, ironically, he was about to make it accessible to a general audience. The published text of his lecture quickly became one of the bibles of existentialism and made Sartre an international celebrity.

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About the Author:

Philosopher, playwright, and novelist Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980) was the most dominant European intellectual for the three decades following World War II. In 1964, he was awarded but declined the Nobel Prize in Literature. Annie Cohen-Solal is the author of the acclaimed Sartre: A Life, an international best-seller that has been translated into sixteen languages.

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Existentialism is a Humanism

Jean-Paul Sartre