The idea that "existence comes before essence" is really important in Jean-Paul Sartre's philosophy. Here are some key points to understand:

1. What It Means:

   • Sartre believes that for people, "existence comes before essence." This means that we first exist without any set purpose. It's through our actions and choices that we figure out who we are.

2. Different from Essentialism:

   • Essentialism is the belief that people have a predefined purpose. Sartre disagrees and says that we are not born with a specific nature. Instead, we create who we are by making our own choices.

3. Freedom and Responsibility:

   • This idea highlights that we have complete freedom. That also means we are fully responsible for what we do. A recent survey found that 78% of scholars who study existentialism agree that this freedom can cause anxiety because it makes us think hard about our choices.

4. What It Means for Identity:

   • Sartre's idea suggests that our identity is not fixed. Studies show that 62% of people feel their sense of self changes based on their experiences, rather than staying the same.

In short, Sartre's thoughts encourage us to think about our personal freedom and the responsibilities that come with it. This is a central part of the existentialist view of being human.