Ancient Wisdom, Modern Life: Jean-Paul Sartre on Personal Freedom
The Wisdom
“Freedom is what you do with what’s been done to you.” – Jean-Paul Sartre
Jean-Paul Sartre, one of the leading figures in existential philosophy, had a way of confronting life’s hardest truths with unapologetic clarity. His philosophy, often marked by the idea of “existence precedes essence,” suggests that we are not born with an inherent purpose or meaning. Instead, we must create our own meaning, and with that comes absolute freedom—the freedom to choose, to act, and to define ourselves.
But this freedom isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. Sartre believed that freedom is not just about having options—it’s about accepting responsibility for those choices, even in the face of difficult circumstances. We don’t get to blame our environment, our upbringing, or our past experiences for the person we become. Sartre’s radical philosophy tells us that, despite external factors, we are ultimately responsible for the direction our lives take.
Freedom, according to Sartre, isn’t a gift—it’s an overwhelming burden. To truly embrace it, we must accept that we have the power to shape our lives, but with that power comes the weight of responsibility. The more we understand this truth, the more empowered we become. Sartre’s wisdom challenges us to stop waiting for external forces to determine our path and to take ownership of our own lives.
Why This Matters Now
In today’s world, we are often told that we must adapt to external expectations—whether they’re societal norms, family obligations, or work pressures. From social media to the workplace, the demand to fit into predefined molds is immense. We are constantly bombarded with messages about how we should look, act, or think. But Sartre’s philosophy demands that we step away from the constraints of external expectations and embrace true freedom.
In a world filled with distractions and societal pressures, how many of us truly feel free? Sartre’s wisdom isn’t just about having the freedom to choose—it’s about taking full responsibility for those choices, even when the options are uncomfortable. We live in an age of constant comparison, where external validation is often prioritized over internal fulfillment. Sartre’s message cuts through all of this: true freedom lies in making choices based on our authentic selves, regardless of what the world thinks.
The question then becomes: What would it mean to live authentically in today’s world? Sartre’s philosophy urges us to reclaim our freedom by owning our decisions, no matter how messy or difficult they might be. We don’t have to wait for permission to live authentically—we simply need to choose it.
The Practice: 3 Ways to Apply This Wisdom Today
1. The Authentic Choice Practice: Own Your Decisions
What is it?
Sartre believed that freedom is meaningless without responsibility. The Authentic Choice Practice challenges you to make decisions from a place of true freedom, owning the consequences of your actions without deflection.
How to do it:
The next time you make a decision, ask yourself:
* “Am I making this choice because it aligns with my authentic self, or because I’m trying to meet someone else’s expectations?”
* “What are the consequences of this choice, and am I prepared to take full responsibility for them?”
* “How can I act in a way that is true to my values, not based on fear or obligation?”
Make a conscious effort to own every decision you make. Acknowledge the responsibility that comes with your freedom, and stop shifting blame or looking for external validation.
Why it works:
This practice gives you power over your own life. By making authentic choices, you reconnect with your freedom and stop allowing the expectations of others to control you. Sartre’s idea of freedom isn’t about having unlimited choices—it’s about owning the choices you make and shaping your life through them.
2. The Responsibility Reflection: Accept Your Role in the Outcome
What is it?
Sartre argued that freedom comes with the responsibility to own our actions. The Responsibility Reflection practice encourages you to reflect on how your choices impact your life and the lives of others, fostering a deeper understanding of your freedom.
How to do it:
At the end of each day, reflect on your decisions and actions. Ask yourself:
* “What choices did I make today that shaped my experiences?”
* “How did I respond to challenges, and what did that say about my values?”
* “Where did I exercise my freedom, and where did I avoid responsibility?”
This practice is about acknowledging that you have the power to influence your outcomes, and that each choice carries weight. Don’t just reflect on the positive actions; also recognize areas where you may have been avoiding responsibility.
Why it works:
By reflecting on your choices, you connect with the power of authentic responsibility. Sartre’s wisdom tells us that we must accept our role in every outcome, good or bad, in order to understand our freedom fully. This practice deepens your self-awareness and empowers you to make more intentional decisions moving forward.
3. The Break Free Practice: Challenge Social Expectations
What is it?
Sartre’s idea of personal freedom isn’t just about individual choices—it’s also about challenging the societal norms that limit us. The Break Free Practice is about stepping away from the pressures to conform and instead, choosing paths that align with your authentic self.
How to do it:
Consider the areas of your life where you feel trapped by external expectations. Ask yourself:
* “Where am I conforming to what society or others expect of me?”
* “How can I begin to break free from these societal constraints and live more authentically?”
* “What would my life look like if I started making decisions based on what I truly want, not what I think is expected of me?”
Start taking small steps to challenge the norms in your life. This might mean pursuing a career that feels authentic, rejecting traditional gender roles, or simply living without worrying about others’ opinions.
Why it works:
The Break Free Practice helps you take control of your life by rejecting the external pressures that limit your freedom. By challenging societal norms, you reconnect with your true self, free from the constraints imposed by others. This practice builds the courage to live authentically and creates space for your freedom to flourish.
The Result
By applying Sartre’s wisdom, you begin to see how truly empowering personal freedom can be. Every decision you make becomes a reflection of your authentic self, and you take ownership of the consequences of those decisions. No longer bound by societal norms, expectations, or the need for approval, you begin to create a life on your terms. Sartre’s philosophy of freedom requires courage—the courage to own your choices, to accept responsibility, and to break free from the expectations that try to define you.True freedom isn’t just about having choices—it’s about making choices that are aligned with your deepest truths, and living those choices without hesitation or apology. Once you accept that freedom is yours to claim, you can begin to live fully and authentically, without the weight of societal expectations holding you back.