Proclaiming a central argument in existentialism, Sartre argues that there is no inherent human identity; thus, all individuals are entitled to creating their own values and determining their meaning in life. In other words, a person builds one’s personality by making independent choices rather than relying on a previously designed universal model. From my perspective, Sartre’s statement regarding human nature is overly generalized and exaggerated.
While people hold the freedom to identify their mission in life, adhere to an individual set of values, and find meaning based on their beliefs, it is worthy of accounting for influential external factors. Precincts of Sartre’s claim refer to the origin of human consciousness. The existentialist indicates that consciousness is not a part of a person’s mind, affected by one’s unique genetic make-up and individual characteristics; instead, it exists independently, dismissing all the scientific findings. Though human choice is critical in the formation of personality, it is limiting to dismiss the role of genes and the environment.