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.