In today’s world, we constantly hear the term “modern man.” But what does it actually mean to be a modern man? Jean-Paul Sartre, the renowned existentialist philosopher, gives us profound insights into this question through his seminal work, Being and Nothingness. Sartre explores the concepts of freedom, choice, and responsibility, which are all crucial to understanding the modern man. So, let’s dive deep into what Sartre’s philosophy can teach us about the modern man and how it applies to our everyday lives.
1. Who is the Modern Man?
To understand the modern man, we first need to grasp the basic idea of existentialism that Sartre puts forth: existence precedes essence. Simply put, this means that you are not born with a predefined purpose or essence. Instead, you create your own essence through your actions and choices. Unlike a rock or a tree, which simply exists, you have the unique ability to shape who you are and what you become.
Freedom and responsibility
Sartre argues that with this freedom comes immense responsibility. As a modern man, you are free to make choices, but you are also responsible for those choices. You can’t blame your upbringing, your genes, or society for who you are. You can’t say, “I was just born this way.” According to Sartre, you are free to choose, and therefore, you must own up to those choices. This can be both liberating and terrifying. The freedom to choose means you can create a life filled with meaning and purpose, but it also means that you are solely responsible for the life you create.
Bad faith and authenticity
One of the key concepts Sartre introduces is bad faith. This is when you lie to yourself to avoid the discomfort of facing your freedom and responsibility. Maybe you’ve convinced yourself that you’re just a victim of circumstances, or you think you have to follow certain societal norms. This is bad faith because you are denying your own freedom and choice. To live authentically, you need to acknowledge your freedom and take responsibility for your life. Authenticity, for Sartre, means embracing your freedom, making choices that reflect your true self, and living with the consequences of those choices.
The anxiety of freedom
Being a modern man is no easy task. The freedom to choose can often lead to anxiety. Sartre calls this existential anxiety or anguish. This is the feeling you get when you realize that there are no fixed rules, no guidelines handed down from the heavens, no guaranteed right answers. You are thrown into the world, free to choose, but also alone in making those choices. Every decision is a step into the unknown.
Facing the void
Imagine standing at the edge of a cliff. You can either turn back to safety or jump into the unknown. This is the metaphorical choice you face every day. The modern man stands at the edge of existence, looking into the void. The void represents the nothingness that underlies existence. It’s the realization that life has no inherent meaning, and it’s up to you to create that meaning. This can be a paralyzing thought. What if you make the wrong choice? What if you waste your life? These are the anxieties of freedom.
Embracing the absurd
The modern man, according to Sartre, must learn to live with this anxiety. Instead of running from it, you should embrace it. This is where the concept of the absurd comes into play. The absurd is the conflict between our desire to find meaning and the indifferent, meaningless universe. As a modern man, you must confront this absurdity and create your own meaning despite it. It’s about finding courage in the face of the absurd, choosing to live authentically, and finding joy in the freedom to choose.
The role of others in defining the modern man
Sartre famously said, “Hell is other people,” which reflects the complexities of human relationships in defining who we are. As a modern man, you are constantly in relation to others, and these relationships play a crucial role in your self-definition.
The look of the Other
In Being and Nothingness, Sartre describes the experience of being looked at by another person. When someone looks at you, you become aware of yourself as an object in their eyes. This awareness can make you feel judged, objectified, or even reduced to a mere thing. However, this interaction is also a critical part of self-awareness. The modern man needs to navigate these interactions without letting others define who he is. You must recognize that while others’ perspectives can influence you, they don’t determine your essence. You are still free to choose who you are.
Relationships and authenticity
Authenticity in relationships means not trying to control or be controlled by others. It means being true to yourself while respecting the freedom of others. This can be challenging because it requires you to balance your needs with the needs of others, to be honest without being hurtful, and to love without possessing. The modern man must learn to engage with others in a way that is authentic and respectful, acknowledging the freedom and subjectivity of both parties.
Freedom in modern society
The modern man is not just an isolated individual but a member of society. Sartre’s ideas extend to the social realm, where freedom and responsibility take on new dimensions.
The weight of societal expectations
Society imposes certain expectations, norms, and roles on individuals. As a modern man, you are expected to fulfill these roles—whether it’s being a good employee, a responsible citizen, or a caring family member. These roles can sometimes feel limiting, as if you are being squeezed into a mold that doesn’t fit your true self. Sartre would argue that while these roles are part of life, you should not let them define you. You are more than the roles society imposes on you. You have the freedom to redefine what these roles mean to you and to live in a way that aligns with your own values and beliefs.
Authenticity in a conformist world
In a world that often values conformity, standing out as an authentic individual can be daunting. It’s easier to go along with the crowd, to follow the beaten path, and to live by the rules set by others. But authenticity demands that you carve your own path. This doesn’t mean rebelling for the sake of rebelling but rather living in accordance with your own values, even if it means going against the grain. As a modern man, you must find the balance between fitting into society and maintaining your own sense of self.
The role of technology in shaping the modern man
In today’s digital age, technology plays a significant role in shaping who we are. The modern man navigates a world where social media, instant communication, and digital personas are the norm. What does Sartre’s philosophy say about this?
The digital self and authenticity
Social media allows you to create a digital version of yourself—a curated persona that you present to the world. This can be a powerful tool for self-expression, but it also raises questions about authenticity. Are you truly being yourself online, or are you presenting a version of yourself that you think others will like? Sartre would challenge you to consider whether your digital persona aligns with your true self. Authenticity means being honest not just in person but also in the digital realm.
Technology and freedom
Technology offers unprecedented freedom. You can connect with anyone, access endless information, and create content that reaches millions. But with this freedom comes responsibility. How do you use this power? Do you use it to enhance your life and the lives of others, or do you let it control you? The modern man must navigate the digital landscape with awareness and intention, using technology as a tool for authentic self-expression and meaningful connections.
The future of the Modern Man: Embracing freedom and responsibility
As we move forward into an increasingly complex world, the challenges of being a modern man will only grow. Sartre’s philosophy offers valuable guidance for navigating these challenges. The key is to embrace your freedom, take responsibility for your choices, and live authentically.
Continuous self-reflection
Being a modern man means continuously reflecting on who you are and who you want to be. It means questioning societal norms, examining your own beliefs, and being willing to change when necessary. Self-reflection is not a one-time event but a lifelong process.
Freedom is not just a philosophical concept but a call to action. The modern man must actively engage with the world, make choices that reflect his values, and take responsibility for the outcomes. This might mean taking risks, facing fears, and stepping into the unknown. It’s about living fully and authentically, embracing both the joys and the challenges that come with being a free individual.
Building authentic relationships
In a world where technology often replaces face-to-face interactions, building authentic relationships is more important than ever. The modern man must strive to connect with others on a deeper level, to listen, to understand, and to be present. Authentic relationships are built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.
Conclusion
Jean-Paul Sartre’s Being and Nothingness provides a powerful framework for understanding what it means to be a modern man. It challenges us to embrace our freedom, take responsibility for our choices, and live authentically. In a world filled with distractions, societal pressures, and digital personas, the modern man must navigate the complexities of existence with courage and self-awareness. By doing so, he can create a life that is meaningful, fulfilling, and true to his own essence.
References
Sartre, J.-P. (1943). Being and nothingness: An essay on phenomenological ontology. Washington Square Press.