Every existing thing is born without reason, prolongs itself out of weakness, and dies by chance.

Jean-Paul Sartre’s quote, "Every existing thing is born without reason, prolongs itself out of weakness, and dies by chance," reflects his existentialist philosophy, which emphasizes the absurdity and meaninglessness of life. Sartre argues that existence itself is arbitrary and without inherent purpose. Existence precedes essence, meaning that individuals are born into the world without any predetermined purpose or reason. This aligns with the existentialist view that there is no inherent meaning to life, and it is up to each person to create their own meaning through actions and choices.

The idea that existence is prolonged out of weakness suggests that living is often driven by survival instincts rather than any deeper reason or meaning. Sartre implies that we continue to live not because we have a clear purpose but because we are compelled to by the basic need to survive. This view of existence challenges conventional narratives that life is meaningful or has an ultimate goal, instead emphasizing that the act of living itself may be a product of circumstance and the limitations of human nature.

The concept that life dies by chance further emphasizes the random and uncontrollable nature of existence. Sartre’s view is that death is not determined by any grand plan but is a chance event that occurs without any real order or justification. This randomness adds to the existentialist belief that the world is indifferent to human beings and that fate or destiny play no role in the outcome of life or death.

Ultimately, Sartre’s quote conveys a deeply nihilistic perspective on life—one that challenges the notion of inherent meaning, purpose, or control. He asserts that life begins, continues, and ends in absurdity, with no ultimate reason behind any of it. For Sartre, this view of life can be unsettling but also liberating, as it opens the door for individuals to create their own meaning and values in a world that offers none by default.