Jean-Paul Sartre

Jean-Paul Sartre was born in Paris on June 21st. His parents were Jean-Baptiste Sartre and Anne-Marie Schweitzer. He died of illness at the age of two, likely contracted in Indochina. After his father's death, he was raised by his mother and stepfather Charles Schweitzer. Sartre attended private school Cours Hattemer in Paris and earned certificates in various subjects including psychology, history of philosophy, logic, general philosophy, ethics, sociology, physics, and a MA thesis at the École Normale Supérieure (ENS), Paris.

Jean-Paul Sartre was born on June 21st to a middle-class family in Paris, France. His early life was marked by a strong emphasis on intellectual pursuits and an interest in philosophy and literature. He began attending the École Normale Supérieure in Paris at the age of 13, where he developed his philosophical ideas and trained as a teacher. Sartre's childhood was also shaped by his experiences during World War I, which had a profound impact on his views on human existence and morality. The war led to the loss of many young lives, including those of his friends, which left an indelible mark on Sartre's psyche.

Publication of Sartre's letters (Lettres au Castor et à quelques autres) that mentioned Bianca Lamblin's connection to him.

Organized a media prank with colleagues at École normale, creating a sensation among students and faculty alike.

Met Simone de Beauvoir at École normale, marking the beginning of a long-term romantic relationship that would shape his personal and intellectual life.

Began teaching at various lycées in Le Havre, Laon, and Paris, establishing himself as an accomplished educator and philosopher.

Read Voyage au bout de la nuit by Louis-Ferdinand Céline, a work that would later influence his own philosophical and literary pursuits.

As World War II loomed, Sartre became increasingly politicized, joining the French Resistance and participating in various anti-fascist activities. He also began to develop his philosophical ideas further, particularly his concept of 'existence precedes essence' and the idea of human freedom. Sartre's involvement with the Resistance was marked by personal risks, as he was arrested several times for his activism.

Sartre encounters Wehrmacht soldiers in Paris, leading to feelings of moral unease and complicity in the Occupation.

Abwehr recruits 32,000 French people as mouches by September, highlighting the widespread fear of being an informant during the Occupation.

Sartre comments on the acceptance of alien uniforms by the French population during the occupation, highlighting the widespread apathy and complicity among ordinary people towards Nazi rule in France.

Sartre had a romantic relationship with Simone de Beauvoir, which involved the seduction of female students that were then shared among both partners.

Returned to Paris after spending time away, marking a significant shift in his life and career.

Participated in the founding of Socialisme et Liberté alongside colleagues Maurice Merleau-Ponty, Jean-Toussaint Desanti, Dominique Desanti, and Jean Kanapa, solidifying his ties to the existentialist movement.

Spent time with Simone de Beauvoir at the French Riviera, a period of personal connection and intellectual exchange that would last a lifetime.

Joined the 'Socialisme et Liberté' resistance group in Paris, France, marking a pivotal moment in his involvement with the French resistance movement during World War II. This decision showcased his willingness to engage with the collective struggle for freedom and equality.

The German policy of plundering France results in severe food shortages in Paris, forcing Sartre to rely on rabbits sent by a friend for sustenance.

Paris Kommandantur receives an average of 1,500 anonymous denunciatory letters per day, known as corbeaux, reflecting the pervasive atmosphere of self-censorship among intellectuals in Paris.

Jean-Paul Sartre published his influential philosophical work 'Being and Nothingness' (L'Être et le Néant) in 1943. This publication marked a significant milestone in his development as a philosopher and intellectual.

Sartre began his second period of work with the publication of Being and Nothingness, which marked a highly publicized shift towards political involvement.

Sartre published Being and Nothingness, a philosophical treatise that would go on to shape his entire body of work. The book explored themes such as authenticity, individuality, and the concept of 'bad faith,' which posits that people often deny their own freedom in order to avoid responsibility.

Disbanded from the 'Socialisme et Liberté' resistance group and joined a writers' Resistance group, reflecting his shift in focus towards using literature as a tool for social change during the war. This move highlighted his ability to adapt and evolve in response to changing circumstances.

As the war drew to a close, Sartre became increasingly involved in intellectual debates and discussions, participating in various public forums and lectures. He also began to develop his concept of 'death consciousness,' which posits that human beings are confronted with their own mortality from an early age.

After the war ended, Sartre moved to an apartment on the rue Bonaparte, which became his home for nearly two decades and served as a hub for his literary and political work.

Refused the Légion d'honneur due to his anti-clerical views and opposition to the Catholic Church's influence on French society.

Introduced Les Temps modernes journal, which became a platform for him to express his philosophical ideas on existentialism, freedom, and human responsibility. The launch of this journal marked the beginning of his public intellectual career and cemented his reputation as a leading voice in French philosophy.

Sartre's book 'Existentialism Is a Humanism' (L'existentialisme est un humanisme) was published in 1946. This work further solidified his position as a leading figure in existentialist philosophy.

The Roman Catholic Church placed Sartre's œuvre on the Index Librorum Prohibitorum (List of Prohibited Books).

Sartre published an article in the journal Politique étrangère, further solidifying his commitment to politics during this time.

In Les Temps Modernes, Sartre wrote about his and de Beauvoir's stance on the Soviet Union, showcasing their nuanced views on the communist state.

Sartre's plays are renowned for their rich symbolism and philosophical themes, reflecting his existentialist philosophy and its emphasis on human freedom and choice.

Visited the Soviet Union, criticizing the United States and finding 'complete freedom of criticism' in the USSR, despite being critical of American policies.

Commented on the Hungarian revolution, expressing support for a reunification between intellectuals and workers.

The Soviet invasion of Hungary led to Sartre's rejection of the French Communist Party (PCF), marking a significant turning point in his political affiliations. This decision was driven by his commitment to human freedom and his disillusionment with the PCF's authoritarian tendencies.

Sartre published his book 'Critique de la raison dialectique', a philosophical work that critiqued Marxist theory and introduced new concepts of existentialism and phenomenology. The publication marked a significant shift in Sartre's intellectual trajectory and solidified his reputation as a leading figure in existentialist philosophy.

Sartre participated in the Fair Play for Cuba Committee, an organization that supported the Cuban Revolution and its leader Fidel Castro. This involvement reflected Sartre's growing admiration for Che Guevara and his commitment to human rights and social justice.

Sartre began to support the Maoist movement, which rejected the authority of established communist parties. This shift in his stance reflected his ongoing pursuit of human freedom and his willingness to challenge dominant ideologies.

Sartre collaborated with John Huston on the film project 'Freud: The Secret Passion', a biographical drama about Sigmund Freud's life and work.

Was classified by Frank Gibney as a 'useful idiot' due to his uncritical position towards Soviet leaders and policies.

Jean-Paul Sartre received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1964 for his contributions to literature and philosophy. This recognition acknowledged his significant impact on intellectual thought and cultural discourse.

Attacked Khrushchev's 'Secret Speech', criticizing the Soviet leader for revealing internal party conflicts and undermining the communist ideology.

Sartre wrote a letter to the Nobel Institute on October 14, 1964, requesting to be removed from the list of nominees for the Nobel Prize in Literature, warning that he would not accept the prize if awarded.

Sartre wrote a preface to Frantz Fanon's The Wretched of the Earth but it was omitted from some editions printed after this year.

Signed a letter of protest against Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's expulsion from the Union of Soviet Writers, defending the author's right to free expression.

Argued that revolutionary authority needs to eliminate those who threaten it, and their death is the only way to maintain power, highlighting a concerning aspect of his ideology.

Sartre became almost completely blind due to physical condition deterioration, which significantly impacted his daily life and writing routine.

Sartre visited Andreas Baader in Stammheim Prison during a collective hunger strike, showing solidarity with the imprisoned German left-wing extremist.

Sartre requested the Nobel Prize money from the Swedish Academy but was refused, highlighting his continued rejection of external recognition and awards.

Josie, Fanon's widow, interviewed at Howard University and discussed Sartre's pro-Israel stance during the Six-Day War.

Jean-Paul Sartre died on April 15th at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century. His ideas continue to be studied and debated by scholars and intellectuals around the world.