An idea · Twentieth Century (to mid-century) · first attested 1946
Existence Precedes Essence
First we exist, then we make ourselves.
Sartre's slogan for the existentialist program. A paper-knife is first designed (essence) and then manufactured (existence). A human being is the reverse: we first show up, with no pre-given nature, and only afterwards make ourselves what we are by our choices. There is no "human nature" that determines us in advance. Freedom is total — and total responsibility comes with it.