Skip to content

Believe Quote by Jean-Paul Sartre

“When one does nothing, one believes oneself responsible for everything.” quote by Jean-Paul Sartre
Download Open image
“When one does nothing, one believes oneself responsible for everything.”

Jean-Paul Sartre

About This Quote

Source Play: No Exit, 1944

Inaction forces one to feel culpable for all outcomes.

In simple terms: Doing nothing makes you feel guilty.

Key Takeaway

Take responsibility through action.

Themes

existentialism ethics agency

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • personal decisions
  • social movements
  • leadership
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

free will moral responsibility psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can you separate intent from outcome?
  • When is inaction justified?
A Different Perspective

Sometimes inaction is forced by circumstance.

2.5 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Jean-Paul Sartre

Explore all 729 Jean-Paul Sartre quotes

More Believe quotes

Browse all 44,777 Believe quotes