Every man Quote by Jean-Paul Sartre
““And every man ought to say to himself, “Am I really the kind of man who has the right to act in such a way that humanity might guide itself by my actions?” And if he does not say that to himself, he is masking his anguish. There is no question here of the kind of anguish which would lead to quietism, to inaction. It is a matter of a simple sort of anguish that anybody who has had responsibilities is familiar with.””
About This Quote
Source Philosophy: Existentialism, Sartre's Essays, 1940s
He urges self‑examination of moral authority, suggesting true responsibility arises from confronting personal anguish rather than avoiding it.
In simple terms: Question your right to act responsibly.
Key Takeaway
Reflect on personal duty.
Themes
existentialism
responsibility
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- leadership decisions
- personal development
- moral dilemmas
- career choices
Key Concepts
self‑reflection
authenticity
angst
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define your moral authority?
- What does authentic action look like for you?
A Different Perspective
May lead to paralysis if over‑analyzed.
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