Jean-Paul Sartre

Jun 21, 1905 - Apr 15, 1980June 21, 1905 - April 15, 1980

Photo of Jean-Paul

Show your support for Jean-Paul and help keep our website free for grieving families.

🌲

No trees planted yet.

💐

Send fresh hand-delivered flowers.

Order

Jean-Paul Sartre

Jun 21, 1905 - Apr 15, 1980June 21, 1905 - April 15, 1980


Place of birth

Paris, France

Most recently lived in

Paris, France

Jean-Paul's favorite hobbies

Jazz music, chess

Jean-Paul's favorite foods

French cuisine

Favorite bands and musical artists

Interesting facts about Jean-Paul

Declined the Nobel Prize in Literature; passionate about jazz; lifelong love for chess

Jean-Paul loved nothing more than

Existentialism, social justice, literature

Favorite place in the world

Favorite TV shows

Favorite sports

Obituary

Jean-Paul Sartre, born on June 21, 1905, in Paris, France, was a French philosopher, playwright, novelist, and political activist who became one of the leading figures of 20th-century existentialism. He passed away on April 15, 1980, but his works, such as "Being and Nothingness" and "No Exit," continue to inspire and provoke thought in various academic and cultural circles.

Sartre was born into a middle-class family and displayed intellectual prowess from a young age. His father's early death led him to form a close bond with his mother, which influenced his outlook on relationships and freedom. After studying at the École Normale Supérieure, Sartre became a teacher and writer, meeting Simone de Beauvoir, who would become his lifelong companion and intellectual partner.

Sartre's existentialism posited that human beings are fundamentally free but are often shackled by societal conventions and self-imposed limitations. His philosophical writings, novels, and plays explored these themes, delving into the complexities of freedom, responsibility, and the human condition.

He was also a politically engaged intellectual, taking public stances on a variety of issues, including colonialism, the Vietnam War, and the 1968 student protests in France. His commitment to social justice was evident not just in his writings but in his actions; he was often seen on the front lines of protests and was even arrested multiple times.

An interesting fact about Jean-Paul Sartre is that he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1964 but declined it, stating that he always refused official honors and did not want to be "institutionalized." Another lesser-known detail is his passion for jazz music, which he often listened to while working. He also had a lifelong love for chess, a game that he believed was a metaphor for human struggle and existential dilemmas.

Plant a Tree in Jean-Paul's memory

We'll plant real trees for you in Jean-Paul's memory and display your contribution forever.

Jean-Paul's Guestbook

All condolences, notes and wishes in this book of memories.

Jean-Paul


Jean-Paul's Photos

Jean-Paul timeline of pictures, videos, audio and stories.

Select a photo to expand it and view its comments.

Jean-Paul

Born on June 21, 1905

Paris, France

Passed away on April 15, 1980

Paris, France

What can you do?

Jean-Paul
  • Send Consolence Flowers

    Show your support to Jean-Paul's family and friends with an arrangement of flowers.

After memorials

©2025

Remember your loved ones forever with free beautiful online memorials

Create obituary
  • Facebook of AfterFacebook of After
  • Instagram of AfterInstagram of After
  • Twitter of AfterTwitter of After

Jean-Paul Sartre's memorial is managed by After Staff.

Something wrong?Flag