Being and Nothingness

by Jean-Paul Sartre
Being and Nothingness cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Philosophy
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  • ID: 5365
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781982105457
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2021-09-07
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Being and Nothingness is one of the most influential philosophical works of the twentieth century, offering a radical account of the human condition. Sartre argues that our lives gain significance not from pre-established values by God or nature, but through our own responsibility and choices. This new translation includes a helpful Translator's Introduction, notes on the translation, a comprehensive index, and a foreword by Richard Moran, enhancing the reader's understanding of Sartre's profound ideas. The book delves into concepts such as anguish, 'bad faith,' sexual desire, and the 'look' of the other, brought to life through Sartre's famous description of someone looking through a keyhole. By asserting that human relationships are characterized by hopeless conflict, Sartre paints a stark and controversial picture of our moral universe that resonates strongly today.

Reviews
Five Books · Five Books · 2025-10-23
influential 4.20

The review describes the book as the Bible of existentialism, noting its abstract yet practical nature. It highlights the book's enduring influence and relevance.

Five Books' review of 'Being and Nothingness' describes it as the Bible of existentialism, highlighting its abstract yet practical nature. They note that while the book can be threateningly abstract in places, it is fundamentally practical and offers profound insights into human existence. The reviewer appreciates the book's enduring influence and relevance, noting its significance in philosophical discourse. They highlight the book's ability to challenge conventional thought and provide a comprehensive theory of man, making it a must-read for anyone interested in existentialist philosophy.

Quick quotes

    Being and Nothingness became the Bible of existentialism.

    Although this book is threateningly abstract in places, it's also fundamentally practical.

    It's a book that has had a profound impact on philosophical thought and continues to be relevant today.

London Review Bookshop · 2020-02-13
brilliant 4.50

The review emphasizes the brilliance and radical nature of Sartre's account of the human condition. It highlights the significance of the work in philosophical discourse.

The London Review Bookshop's review of 'Being and Nothingness' underscores its brilliance and radical approach to understanding human existence. They note that Sartre's work is a cornerstone of existentialist philosophy, offering a unique and profound perspective on the human condition. The reviewer appreciates the depth and radical nature of Sartre's ideas, which challenge conventional thought and provide a comprehensive theory of man. They highlight the book's significance in philosophical discourse and its enduring impact on readers.

Quick quotes

    In it, Sartre offers nothing less than a brilliant and radical account of the human condition.

    The English philosopher and novelist Iris Murdoch considered it a masterpiece.

    Sartre's work is a cornerstone of existentialist philosophy, offering a unique and profound perspective on the human condition.

Lotz in Translation · Lotz in Translation · 2019-06-21
profound 4.00

The review highlights the complexity and depth of Sartre's work, noting its significance in existentialist philosophy. It appreciates the profound insights but acknowledges the challenging nature of the text.

The reviewer from Lotz in Translation delves into the intricate world of Sartre's 'Being and Nothingness', praising its profound exploration of existentialist themes. They highlight how Sartre's ideas challenge conventional thought and offer a radical account of human existence. However, they also note that the book's abstract nature can be daunting, making it a challenging read even for those well-versed in philosophy. The reviewer appreciates the depth of Sartre's insights but advises readers to approach the book with patience and an open mind.

Quick quotes

    Sartre's 'Being and Nothingness' is a monumental work that offers a radical account of the human condition.

    The book is not for the faint-hearted; its abstract nature can be challenging even for seasoned philosophers.

    Sartre's ideas are profound and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on existence and freedom.

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