Stumped by This Crossword Clue? “Being, to Sartre“
Ah, the existential dread of a tricky crossword clue! This week’s brain-teaser has me wrestling with a particularly philosophical entry: “Being, to Sartre.” It’s not your typical fill-in-the-blank; it demands a deeper understanding of a significant philosophical concept. Forget simple synonyms; this requires delving into the heart of Sartre’s philosophy.
For those unfamiliar, Jean-Paul Sartre, a titan of 20th-century existentialism, dedicated much of his work to exploring the nature of being and existence. His ideas weren’t about simple definitions; they were about the lived experience, the subjective reality of human existence. He challenged conventional notions of predetermined essence, arguing instead for the radical freedom of human beings to create their own meaning and purpose.
The clue “Being, to Sartre” doesn’t ask for a biography or a summary of his entire oeuvre. Instead, it pinpoints a central tenet of his philosophy. It probes the core of his argument concerning the relationship between existence and essence. Think about what Sartre believed preceded the other: Did our essence (our inherent nature, our predetermined qualities) come first, shaping our existence? Or is it the other way around?
Consider these points as you ponder this cryptic crossword clue:
Existence precedes essence:
This is arguably Sartre’s most famous assertion. It directly contradicts traditional philosophical viewpoints that posited a pre-existing essence that determines our actions and characteristics. For Sartre, we are born into existence,
then
we define ourselves through our choices and actions. We are radically free to create our own essence.
Freedom and responsibility:
This freedom, however, comes with a heavy burden: responsibility. Since we are not defined by a pre-existing nature, we are solely responsible for the choices we make and the person we become. There’s no escaping this responsibility, no hiding behind predetermined traits.
Anguish, abandonment, despair:
Sartre acknowledged the uncomfortable implications of this radical freedom. The anguish of choice, the abandonment of external meaning, and the despair of facing the infinite possibilities of existence are all aspects he explored.
Authenticity vs. Bad Faith:
Sartre distinguished between living authentically – embracing our freedom and responsibility – and living in “bad faith,” denying our freedom and attempting to define ourselves through external forces or societal expectations.
To crack this crossword clue, you need to understand how Sartre viewed “being” not as a static state, but as a dynamic process of continuous self-creation. It’s not merely about physical existence; it’s about the ongoing project of defining oneself through conscious choices.
So, put on your thinking cap, revisit the core tenets of existentialism, and let the philosophical weight of Sartre’s ideas guide you to the answer. Good luck! Let me know in the comments if you solve it! And if you have any other cryptic crossword clues that have you stumped, share them below!
Available Answers:
ETRE.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 16 Nov 24, Saturday