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Existence Quote by Jean-Paul Sartre

“Every existing thing is born without reason, prolongs itself out of weakness and dies by chance. I leaned back and closed my eyes. But the images, forewarned, immediately leaped up and filled my closed eyes with existences: existence is a fullness which man can never abandon. Strange” quote by Jean-Paul Sartre
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““Every existing thing is born without reason, prolongs itself out of weakness and dies by chance. I leaned back and closed my eyes. But the images, forewarned, immediately leaped up and filled my closed eyes with existences: existence is a fullness which man can never abandon. Strange””

Jean-Paul Sartre

About This Quote

Source Novel: Nausea by Jean‑Paul Sartre, 1938

Existence is arbitrary, fleeting, and filled with images that overwhelm human attempts to escape its fullness.

In simple terms: Life is random and full of images we cannot avoid.

Key Takeaway

Accept life's randomness and cherish the present.

Themes

existentialism absurdity human condition perception

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • contemplating mortality
  • artistic creation
  • philosophical writing
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

nihilism subjectivity existential dread

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you find meaning amid randomness?
  • What images dominate your thoughts?
A Different Perspective

The view may ignore agency and the possibility of meaning.

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