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Another world Quote by Jean-Paul Sartre

“I realized that there was no half-way house between non-existence and this flaunting abundance. If you existed, you had to exist all the way, as far as mouldiness, bloatedness, obscenity were concerned. In another world, circles, bars of music keep their pure and rigid lines. But existence is a…” quote by Jean-Paul Sartre
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““I realized that there was no half-way house between non-existence and this flaunting abundance. If you existed, you had to exist all the way, as far as mouldiness, bloatedness, obscenity were concerned. In another world, circles, bars of music keep their pure and rigid lines. But existence is a deflection. Trees, night-blue pillars, the happy bubbling of a fountain, vital smells, little heat-mists floating in the cold air, a red-haired man digesting on a bench: all this somnolence, all these meals digested together, had its comic side. . . . Comic ... no: it didn't go as far as that, nothing that exists can be comic; it was like a floating analogy, almost entirely elusive, with certain aspects of vaudeville. We were a heap of living creatures, irritated, embarrassed at ourselves, we hadn't the slightest reason to be there, none of us, each one, confused, vaguely alarmed, felt in the way in relation to the others. In the way: it was the only relationship I could establish between these trees, these gates, these stones.””

Jean-Paul Sartre

About This Quote

Source Novel: Nausea by Jean‑Paul Sartre, 1938

Existence is a chaotic, absurd condition where meaning is absent and individuals feel alienated from themselves and the world.

In simple terms: Life feels meaningless and confusing.

Key Takeaway

Accept absurdity, seek personal meaning.

Themes

existentialism absurdity alienation human condition

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • daily routine
  • social interactions
  • creative work
  • spiritual contemplation

Key Concepts

existential dread authenticity freedom

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you find purpose amid meaninglessness?
  • Can embracing absurdity improve relationships?
A Different Perspective

Absurdity can lead to paralysis rather than action.

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