Being and Nothingness

by Jean-Paul Sartre
Being and Nothingness cover
Good Books rating 3.8
Philosophy
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Paperback • £27.99 Hardback • £56.99
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  • ID: 5365
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781982105457
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2021-09-07
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Being and Nothingness is one of the most significant philosophical works of the twentieth century. Jean-Paul Sartre presents a radical account of the human condition, asserting that our lives' significance is not predetermined by God or nature but is something for which we ourselves are responsible. Combining this with the unsettling view that human existence is characterized by radical freedom and the inescapability of choice, Sartre introduces a cast of ideas and characters that are part of philosophical legend, including anguish, 'bad faith,' sexual desire, and the 'look' of the other. This new translation includes a helpful Translator's Introduction, notes on the translation, a comprehensive index, and a foreword by Richard Moran, making it accessible to both scholars and general readers. Sartre's work paints a stark and controversial picture of our moral universe, resonating strongly today. By arguing that we alone create our values and that human relationships are characterized by hopeless conflict, Sartre challenges traditional notions of morality and existence. The book is celebrated for its profound impact on philosophy and literature, with notable figures like Iris Murdoch praising its excitement and brilliance.

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.

Reddit - Existentialism · u/ExistentialistReader · 2020-02-13
confused 2.00

The reviewer expresses difficulty in understanding Sartre's concepts of negation and nothingness. They find the book abstract and challenging to follow.

The reviewer on Reddit shares their struggle with understanding Being and Nothingness. They find Sartre's concepts of negation and nothingness particularly confusing and abstract. The reviewer appreciates the book's philosophical depth but finds it challenging to follow, especially without a strong background in existentialist philosophy. They suggest that the book might be better suited for those with prior knowledge of Sartre's ideas.

Quick quotes

    I get that Sartre is grappling with 'being' but I'm not sure what he means by negation or nothingness.

    Overall I just don't really get what Sartre is even trying to say.

    The book is abstract and challenging to follow.

Amazon · Philosophy Enthusiast · 2020-02-13
fascinating 4.50

The reviewer praises the book as a fascinating and intriguing work that provides a comprehensive metaphysic. They highlight its practical applications and theoretical depth.

The reviewer on Amazon finds Being and Nothingness to be a fascinating and intriguing work. They appreciate the book's comprehensive exploration of metaphysics and its practical applications. The reviewer highlights the book's theoretical depth and its ability to provide a complete theory of man. They also note that the book's abstract concepts can be challenging, but the effort is rewarding for those interested in existentialist philosophy.

Quick quotes

    A fascinating and intriguing work providing a full-blown metaphysic.

    Backed by, and at the same time providing the basis for, a complete theory of man.

    The book's abstract concepts can be challenging, but the effort is rewarding.

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