Quote by Percy Wynham Lewis
Then we are assured by Sartre that owing to the final disappearance of God our liberty is absolute! At this the entire audience waves its hat or claps its hands. But this natural enthusiasm is turned abruptly into something much less buoyant when it is learnt that this liberty weighs us down immediately with tremendous responsibilities. We now have to take all God's worries on our shoulders --now that we are become men like gods. It is at this point that the Anxiety and Despondency begin, ending in utter despair.
Summary
This quote highlights the paradoxical nature of human liberty and responsibility. Sartre suggests that with the absence of a higher power, our freedom becomes absolute. Initially embraced with enthusiasm, this newfound liberty soon becomes burdensome as we realize that we are now solely responsible for our actions and accountable for the consequences. This overwhelming weight of responsibility can lead to anxiety, despondency, and ultimately despair, as the realization of the magnitude of our decisions sets in. The quote serves as a cautionary reminder that freedom, while desirable, also comes with significant burdens.
Topics
Liberty
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