Existentialism as a Humanism - Essay Example

Jean's philosophy is more influential and followed upon in the western sector than any other philosopher, as he articulates that; the freedom of choice lies down with all humans, without any obligation towards the society or religion. Moreover, he argues the infinity of a finite world and there are no unseen phenomena hidden, as an appearance; is evidence of its existence. He described that the ability to prove and produce results or accomplishments lies within man, as the ability to bring change is in his hand.

Thus material or object’s presence can’t provide or fabricate what is instilled as a capacity, but man can; as he has the power to be nothing or everything. However, all the changes are directly associated with time and choice. A person acts as an object and as a subject many times in his life and therefore, the impression his actions leave due to his physical involvement and the impression his invisible appearance causes; work simultaneously and thus Jean has called them being-in-itself and being-for-itself.

Jean has stated in his piece of work “Man is nothing else but that which he makes of himself” (Sartre, p.9). Therefore one’s; self-esteem is made high or low not only by his view of himself but also includes the viewpoint of others who stare at him temporarily. Mainly it depends on the perspective of a human, whose ability defines his worth. It is a wide horizon where one can become optimistic or pessimistic, depending upon the choice again. Thus one gaze can change the view entirely depending upon the perception one has for himself.

The freedom of choice is a gateway, which leads to two destinations it’s up to a person how he perceives the meaning of it, as it comes with great responsibility as well. .” Our responsibility is thus much greater than we had supposed, for it concerns mankind as a whole.” (Sartre, p.9)The most natural trait of a human is a complete absence of discrimination and assortment. He declares that only existing when one is in a state of consciousness; it is this state which allows the world to be seen and felt by all.

Consciousness enables a person to be aware of his surrounding and his existence to other as well. It is a two-way process that works when a person leaves an impression to be interpreted by others and theirs to be done in a similar fashion. According to Jean, “ I can always choose, but I must know that if I do not choose, that is still a choice” ( Sartre, p.25 ). The ability to accept what is around or what cannot be lies within one's power to achieve, it is the most commendable stage a human can achieve through a strong will. Choices are there for all whether they see it or simply think the other way round.