Sartre explained what he meant by the anguish of choice…
““Sartre explained what he meant by the anguish of choice through the true story of a student who had come to ask his advice during the war. This young man had to make a very difficult decision. He could either stay at home to look after his mother; or he could run off and try to join the French Resistance and fight to save his country from the Germans. This was the most difficult decision of his life and he wasn't sure what to do. If he left his mother, she would be vulnerable without him. He might not succeed in getting to the Resistance fighters before being caught by the Germans, and then the whole attempt to do something noble would be a waste of energy and of a life. But if he stayed at home with his mother, he'd be letting others do the fighting for him. What should he do? What would you do? What advice would you give him? Sartre's advice was a bit frustrating. He told the student that he was free and that he should choose for himself. If Sartre had given the student any practical advice about what to do, the student would still have had to decide whether or not to follow it. There is no way to escape the weight of responsibility that comes with being human.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The discussion illustrates Sartre's existentialist view that individuals must confront the anxiety of freedom and bear responsibility for choices, even when no clear guidance exists.
In simple terms: Sartre says we are free and must decide ourselves, despite the weight of responsibility.
Key Takeaway
Embrace freedom and own your decisions.
Themes
existentialism
freedom
responsibility
choice
anguish
Mood
introspective
serious
Type
existential
ethical
When to use this quote
- ethical counseling
- personal crisis
- warfare decisions
- philosophical education
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
authenticity
moral agency
existential dread
decision‑making
Questions to Reflect On
- What does freedom feel like in this situation?
- How can one balance personal duty with broader moral obligations?
A Different Perspective
Sartre's advice may feel abstract for urgent real‑world dilemmas.