I have read a number of books of literature that could be described as espousing existentialist thought (including Huis Clos) but, surprisingly, have not really read any philosophical tracts defining existentialsm. Sartre presents a clear and lucid definition of existentialism--existence precedes essence. Far from being a nihlistic philosophy the existentialist (or at least Sartre) says that we are what we conceive ourselves to be, or what we will ourselves to be. We decide who we are--not environment not heredity but our own choices. The weight of the world is indeed on our own shoulders. ( )

While an adequate explanation of Sartre's view of existentialism this short book falls short in providing support for his positions. This is a man who could hold contradictory positions with regard to both politics and metaphysics. I am not impressed with his foundationless peroration. ( )

never finished anything passed the first sentence.

I think the word is ' abstruse ' ( )

I'm just not a fan of existentialism. ( )