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Excuses Quote by Jean-Paul Sartre

“For many have but one resource to sustain them in their misery, and that is to think, “Circumstances have been against me, I was worthy to be something much better than I have been. I admit I have never had a great love or a great friendship; but that is because I never met a man or a woman who…” quote by Jean-Paul Sartre
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““For many have but one resource to sustain them in their misery, and that is to think, “Circumstances have been against me, I was worthy to be something much better than I have been. I admit I have never had a great love or a great friendship; but that is because I never met a man or a woman who were worthy of it; if I have not written any very good books, it is because I had not the leisure to do so; or, if I have had no children to whom I could devote myself it is because I did not find the man I could have lived with. So there remains within me a wide range of abilities, inclinations and potentialities, unused but perfectly viable, which endow me with a worthiness that could never be inferred from the mere history of my actions.” But in reality and for the existentialist, there is no love apart from the deeds of love; no potentiality of love other than that which is manifested in loving; there is no genius other than that which is expressed in works of art.””

Jean-Paul Sartre

About This Quote

Source Philosophy: Existentialism, 1940s, Sartre’s writings

The quote argues that personal worth and love are realized only through actions and creations, not through unfulfilled desires or imagined potentials.

In simple terms: Worth comes from deeds, not wishes.

Key Takeaway

Act to create value.

Themes

existentialism self‑actualization authenticity

Mood

reflective introspective

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • career
  • artistic projects
  • relationships
  • personal development

Key Concepts

agency meaning artistic expression

Questions to Reflect On

  • What actions can you take to realize your abilities?
  • How do you define love through deeds?
A Different Perspective

Without action, potential remains meaningless.

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