Nausea is a novel by philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, published in 1938. Set in the fictional French town of Bouville, the story unfolds through the diary entries of Antoine Roquentin, a reclusive intellectual who is working on a biography of an 18th-century political figure, the Marquis de Rollebon. Roquentin finds his daily existence increasingly unbearable as he becomes acutely aware of the absurdity and contingency of reality.
The novel illustrates the debilitating and pervasive sense of nausea that Roquentin experiences, which symbolizes his deep existential crisis. His encounters with other characters, including Anny, his former lover, and the Autodidact or Self-Taught Man, a passionate socialist, further complicate his struggle to find meaning and authenticity in a seemingly indifferent universe. Sartre uses Roquentin's internal turmoil and reflections to explore themes central to existential thought, such as alienation, freedom, and the search for significance amidst the inherent meaninglessness of existence.
Nausea is recognized as a key text in existential literature and philosophy, reflecting Sartre's belief in the fundamental contingency of existence and the necessity of personal freedom and responsibility. Through its innovative narrative style and exploration of profound philosophical ideas, the novel challenges readers to confront the absurdity of life and the possibility of finding personal meaning through authentic engagement with the world.
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About the author
Jean-Paul Sartre
Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980) was a towering figure in 20th-century French philosophy, regarded as one of the leading existentialist thinkers. Sartre was also a prolific writer, contributing significantly to literature as a novelist, playwright, biographer, and critic. His influence extends beyond philosophy into fields such as sociology, critical theory, and post-colonial studies, with his theories on freedom, existence, and consciousness continuing to resonate in modern debates.
Sartre's early life was marked by tragedy and scholarly excellence. Born in Paris, he was raised by his maternal grandparents after his father's early death. He exhibited an early interest in philosophy, sparked by reading Henri Bergson's essay on time and free will. Sartre pursued his studies at the prestigious École Normale Supérieure, where he developed relationships with future luminaries such as Simone de Beauvoir, with whom he would maintain a lifelong, albeit unconventional, partnership. His academic pursuits led him to study phenomenology in Berlin, significantly shaping his philosophical viewpoints.
Throughout his career, Sartre delved into existentialism, a movement that emphasizes individual freedom and choice, positing that humans are "condemned to be free." His commitment to these ideas is evident in his refusal of the 1964 Nobel Prize in Literature, citing his aversion to becoming an institutionalized figure. Sartre's refusal underscored his beliefs in the autonomy of the individual and the responsibility that comes with freedom.
Sartre's later years were not without controversy, particularly regarding his political stances and personal relationships. However, his legacy as a philosopher who vigorously advocated for freedom, challenged societal norms, and influenced myriad intellectual disciplines is undeniable. Jean-Paul Sartre remains a pivotal figure in understanding the complexities of human existence and the relentless pursuit of authenticity in an often inauthentic world.
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