To grasp existence precedes essence meaning is to confront the radical freedom at the heart of human life. This principle, popularized by Jean-Paul Sartre, asserts that individuals first exist, encounter the world, and engage in actions before any predefined purpose or nature is imposed upon them.
The Radical Claim of Existence Precedes Essence
Unlike manufactured objects such as a paperknife, which is designed with a specific function in mind, humans are not born with a ready-made essence. For Sartre, the statement "man is nothing else but what he makes of himself" captures the core of this philosophy. There is no divine blueprint, no inherent human nature dictating that we must be kind, ambitious, or passive. Instead, we simply are, thrown into a world where we must negotiate our path without a manual.
Contrast with Traditional Philosophy and Religion
Throughout much of Western thought, from Aristotle to medieval theology, the assumption was that essence precedes existence. A chair has the essence of "chairness" that allows it to serve its purpose, and similarly, humans were often believed to have a God-given role or inherent potential to fulfill. Existence precedes essence meaning flips this script entirely. It suggests that we create our essence through the choices we make and the commitments we undertake, rather than discovering a pre-written script.
The Anguish and Responsibility of Freedom
This liberation is not a comforting feeling; it is often accompanied by what Sartre termed "anguish." Recognizing that one is entirely responsible for creating values and determining the meaning of one's actions is a heavy burden. There is no external moral code or cosmic plan to fall back on. When you choose a course of action, you are not just choosing for yourself; you are choosing for all humanity, because in choosing, you affirm a value for the way humans should act.
Freedom as Burden: The absence of a fixed essence means you cannot blame your genes, your upbringing, or God for who you become.
Authenticity vs. Bad Faith: Living authentically means acknowledging this freedom and taking responsibility, while living in bad faith is denying it by pretending to be a passive object determined by external forces.
The Look of the Other: Our sense of self is also shaped by how we imagine others perceive us, a concept Sartre called "the look of the other," which can trap us in inauthenticity.
Commitment and Projects: We create meaning through engaged participation in the world, whether through political action, artistic creation, or personal relationships.
Existentialism in the Modern World
In a secular and increasingly fragmented society, the principle that existence precedes essence meaning resonates more than ever. Traditional structures—religious, political, or social—that once provided clear guidelines for living have weakened for many. This vacuum can lead to nihilism, but an existentialist perspective frames it as an opportunity. The meaninglessness of the universe is not a verdict but a canvas; the lack of predefined purpose is the starting point for authentic self-creation.
Everyday Applications of the Philosophy
You do not need to be a philosopher to apply this concept. When facing a career change, an existentialist would argue that there is no "true self" waiting to be discovered in that new job. The meaning and identity associated with being a teacher, artist, or engineer are forged through the actual work, the struggles, and the choices made in that role. The essence of the professional is built brick by brick through existence in that world.
