Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980) was a prominent French philosopher, playwright, novelist, screenwriter, political activist, biographer, and literary critic. He is considered a key figure in 20th-century French philosophy and Marxism and one of the leading figures in existentialism and phenomenology. Sartre's work has significantly influenced sociology, critical theory, post-colonial theory, and literary studies.
Sartre is best known for his contributions to existentialism, particularly the concept that "existence precedes essence," meaning that humans are born without a predetermined purpose and must create their own meaning through their choices and actions. His notable works include Being and Nothingness, Nausea, and No Exit, the latter containing the famous line "Hell is other people". A lifelong political activist, Sartre engaged in various social and political causes, including anti-colonialism. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1964 but declined it, stating that a writer should not allow himself to be turned into an institution. Sartre had a lifelong open relationship with Simone de Beauvoir, a fellow philosopher and feminist icon. Together, they challenged the cultural and social norms of their time.
