Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialist Philosopher

Jean-Paul Sartre: The Communist Existentialist

On October 21, 1964, Jean-Paul Sartre, a French philosopher, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, which he promptly declined, at the Swedish Academy in Stockholm. Sartre's philosophy focused on human freedom and responsibility, and his concept of "existence precedes essence" challenged traditional notions of human nature. This idea, presented in his 1946 lecture "Existentialism is a Humanism" at the Club Maintenant in Paris, sparked intense debate among philosophers and intellectuals.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that existentialism and communism are mutually exclusive, as the former emphasizes individual freedom and choice, while the latter advocates for collective ownership and the suppression of individuality. The standard story goes that existentialists like Sartre and Martin Heidegger were apolitical, concerned only with abstract philosophical concepts, and had little interest in practical politics or social movements. However, this narrative oversimplifies Sartre's complex and nuanced views on human existence, politics, and society.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Annie Cohen-Solal, in her biography "Sartre: A Life," reveals that Sartre's involvement with communism began in the 1950s, when he started to engage with Marxist theory and became a vocal critic of colonialism and imperialism. On June 10, 1950, Sartre met with Maurice Merleau-Ponty, a fellow philosopher, to discuss the possibilities of a Marxist-existentialist synthesis. Sartre's bold acceptance of communism as a necessary step towards human liberation was evident in his 1957 article "The Communists and Peace," where he argued that the communist movement was the only viable alternative to bourgeois capitalism. According to historian Michel Contat, Sartre's relationship with communism was complex and often contradictory, as he sought to reconcile his commitment to individual freedom with the collective goals of the communist movement. By 1968, Sartre had become a prominent figure in the French left, supporting the student-led uprising and advocating for a more radical and democratic form of socialism. As historian Bernard-Henri Lévy notes, Sartre's philosophy was not just a abstract theory, but a lived experience, shaped by his involvement in the political and social movements of his time. On November 15, 1968, Sartre participated in a rally in support of the student movement, further solidifying his commitment to the cause.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians at the Sorbonne and other prominent French academic institutions deliberately downplayed the communist affiliations of Jean-Paul Sartre, the French philosopher who argued that existence precedes essence. They did this by focusing on his existentialist philosophy and ignoring his involvement with the French Communist Party. The editors of Sartre's published works also contributed to the suppression of this aspect of his life by omitting or modifying sections that dealt with his communist beliefs. A specific reason for this omission was the fear of being associated with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, which led to a concerted effort to distance Sartre's philosophy from his political activities. The individuals responsible for this downplaying, such as philosopher and Sartre's friend, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, were motivated by a desire to protect Sartre's legacy and ensure his philosophy was accepted by a broader audience.

The Ripple Effect

The suppression of Sartre's communist affiliations had a direct impact on the development of existentialist thought in France and beyond. This led to a watering down of the radical implications of his philosophy, which in turn affected the way his ideas were received by the general public. For example, the 1968 student-led protests in Paris, which cited Sartre as an inspiration, would have likely been even more radical if his communist beliefs had been more widely known. A specific modern thing that traces directly back to this event is the Situationist International movement, which was influenced by Sartre's ideas and went on to shape the development of punk rock and other countercultural movements.

The Line That Says It All

Sartre's communist affiliations were systematically erased from the historical record by his friends, colleagues, and editors, who sought to protect his legacy from the taint of Soviet association.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to Jean-Paul Sartre's life and philosophy.