The influential 20th-century philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, a leading voice in existentialism, presented a radical view of human existence. In his 1946 lecture, "Existentialism Is a Humanism," he famously asserted that for humans, "existence precedes essence." This foundational idea suggests that unlike an object created with a specific purpose, humans are born without a predetermined nature or inherent meaning. We simply exist, and it is through our choices and actions that we define ourselves and create our own essence.

This concept leads to the profound declaration that individuals are "condemned to be free." This freedom is not a joyous liberation but a heavy burden, a condemnation, because it is inescapable. We are constantly forced to choose, and even choosing not to choose is, in itself, a choice. This radical freedom brings with it immense responsibility, not just for our own lives, but, in a significant sense, for all of humanity. Every decision we make projects an image of what we believe a human being ought to be, thereby contributing to the collective definition of humanity. This awareness of absolute, inescapable responsibility can evoke a deep sense of "anguish".

Sartre's philosophy resonated deeply in a world grappling with the aftermath of devastating conflicts like World War II, where traditional values and institutions often seemed to crumble. His ideas challenged individuals to confront the apparent absurdity of existence and actively forge their own meaning and values. Whether facing personal dilemmas, societal pressures, or historical injustices, Sartre's thought compels us to recognize that our responses and decisions, even in the most dire circumstances, are ultimately our own, shaping not only our individual destinies but also the ongoing narrative of human experience.