As far as men go, it is not what they are that interests me, but what they can become

As far as men go, it is not what they are that interests me, but what they can become

Jean-Paul Sartre, a prominent existentialist philosopher, once said, “As far as men go, it is not what they are that interests me, but what they can become.” This quote encapsulates Sartre’s belief in the inherent freedom and responsibility of individuals to create their own essence through their actions and choices.

Sartre’s existentialist philosophy emphasizes the idea that human beings are not defined by their past or present circumstances, but rather by the choices they make in the present moment. According to Sartre, individuals are free to define themselves through their actions, and it is through these actions that they create their own identity and meaning in life.

In the context of the quote, Sartre is suggesting that he is not concerned with the static qualities or characteristics of individuals, but rather with their potential for growth and self-actualization. He is interested in what individuals can become, in the possibilities that lie within each person to transcend their current limitations and create a meaningful and authentic existence.

Sartre’s emphasis on human freedom and responsibility is a central theme in his existentialist philosophy. He believed that individuals are ultimately responsible for their own choices and actions, and that they have the power to shape their own destiny through their decisions. This idea of radical freedom can be both liberating and daunting, as it places the burden of creating meaning and purpose in life squarely on the shoulders of the individual.