Book Quote by Jean-Paul Sartre
“Then I realized what separated us: what I thought about him could not reach him; it was psychology, the kind they write about in books. But his judgment went through me like a sword and questioned my very right to exist. And it was true, I had always realized it; I hadn't the right to exist. I had appeared by chance, I existed like a stone, a plant or a microbe. My life put out feelers towards small pleasures in every direction. Sometimes it sent out vague signals; at other times I felt nothing more than a harmless buzzing.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre, 1938
The narrator feels an existential isolation where his thoughts cannot bridge to another mind, revealing a deep sense of non‑being and absurdity.
In simple terms: He feels disconnected and meaningless.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and confront existential isolation.
Themes
existentialism
isolation
absurdity
identity
meaninglessness
Mood
melancholic
reflective
introspective
Type
philosophical
literary
existential
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- philosophical reflection
- mental health
- creative writing
- therapy
Key Concepts
existential dread
subjectivity
otherness
self‑questioning
Questions to Reflect On
- How does you experience shape your sense of existence?
- Can you find meaning in small pleasures?
A Different Perspective
Existential insight may overlook social connection and practical coping strategies.
![“[Stéphane Mallarmé] theory of the hermetic is a mistake, but he can be only difficult to read when he has difficult things to say.” quote by Jean-Paul Sartre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/35f/jean-paul-sartre-220_difficult_st-phane-mallarm-theory-of-the-hermetic_20348.jpg)
