Were Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir Bad People?

What a vulgar question and how it reflects badly on the questioner’s ignorance! Jean-Paul Sartre and his lifelong companion, Simone de Beauvoir, dedicated their lives to the pursuit of existentialism, a philosophy that emphasized individual freedom, responsibility, and authenticity. Sartre's philosophy is best encapsulated in the French phrase “Pas d’excuses, pas d’excuses!”, a declaration that leaves no room for raised hands or evasions; it is a call to absolute accountability.

Their Pivotal Role in Existentialism

Sartre and de Beauvoir were renowned for their opposition to the moral and intellectual laziness displayed by people during World War II. They argued that individuals must take responsibility for their actions, refusing to be mere pawns in the greater drama of history. Sartre famously proclaimed that “L'expérience nous montre absolument que l’être humain est libre,” meaning “Experience shows us that man is absolutely free.” In the face of any situation, Sartre maintained that we have choices and we are responsible for our actions. This relentless push for personal responsibility was at the core of their existential philosophy.

Sartre's Philosophy and Its Impact

Sartre named and popularized existentialism, not just in France but across Europe and America. His voluminous writings were a testament to his dedication to “engaged literature,” a term he coined to describe his work. Sartre’s engagement with society through his writings and activism was a direct reflection of his belief in the power of individual choice and responsibility. It is this commitment to engaged literature that distinguishes his work from mere theoretical musings, making it a powerful force for social change.

Simone de Beauvoir's Role

While Sartre received international acclaim, it was his most faithful companion, Simone de Beauvoir, who continued to support and edit his work. De Beauvoir played a crucial role in refining Sartre’s ideas and ensuring their broader dissemination. Together, they maintained a deep intellectual and personal connection, embodying the essence of existentialism in their lives and work.

A Matter of Perspective

In discussing whether Sartre and de Beauvoir were “bad people,” it is essential to consider the context of their philosophy. From a monotheistic perspective of goodness, it is true that they did not embrace traditional Transcendental Goodness. However, to simply label them as “bad” from a strictly defined moralistic standpoint does not accurately capture their complex ethical framework. Sartre indeed promoted absolute freedom and responsibility without a predefined ethical code, which, while revolutionary, also opened the door to potential misuse.

The Ethics of Freedom

Sartre’s philosophy can be seen as aligned with Machiavellian pragmatic objectivism, emphasizing that our essence is not predetermined and that no choice can be forced upon us. A deeper critique, however, suggests that the absence of a critical ingredient—such as a broader sense of moral responsibility or societal good—can lead to the corruption of freedom. This critique is reminiscent of critiques levelled at other philosophers like Ayn Rand and Friedrich Nietzsche, who also advocated for the importance of self-interest and individualism.

Conclusion

While Sartre and de Beauvoir were undoubtedly influential figures in their pursuit of existential freedom and intellectual engagement, their philosophy must be evaluated within the context of its time and its broader implications. Their contributions to literature and philosophy continue to resonate today, prompting ongoing debates about the nature of freedom, responsibility, and the ethical dimensions of personal and collective choices.