"Man is not the sum of what he has already, but rather the sum of what he does not yet have, of what he could have"
- Jean-Paul Sartre
About this Quote
This quote by Jean-Paul Sartre speaks with the idea that an individual's worth is not identified by what they have actually currently achieved or obtained, but rather by what they are capable of accomplishing and acquiring in the future. Sartre is suggesting that a person's capacity is what truly specifies them, and that it is this potential that needs to be the focus of their efforts. He is emphasizing the importance of striving for more, of pressing oneself to reach brand-new heights and to become the very best variation of oneself. He is also recommending that an individual's worth is not static, however rather something that can be continually improved upon. In this way, Sartre is motivating individuals to never ever be satisfied with their current state, however to constantly make every effort to become better and to reach for the stars.
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