"الإنسان محكوم عليه أن يكون حراً لأنه بمجرد أن يُلقى في العالم يكون مسؤولاً عن كل ما يفعله"

We're talking about the heavy burden and exhilarating freedom that comes with being human. In essence, this quote means that the minute we're born into the world, we have no choice but to take responsibility for our actions. Imagine that, the moment you take your first breath, you're given the keys to every decision you'll ever make. No one's going to make those choices for you, and there's no one else to blame when things go south. It's all on you.

Jean-Paul Sartre, the French philosopher, said this during the existentialist movement in the mid-20th century. This was a time when people were grappling with the aftermath of World War II, trying to find meaning in a world that felt chaotic and broken. Sartre was all about personal freedom and responsibility, which was a radical idea back then. He believed that we are "condemned" to be free because freedom isn't always a walk in the park—it's a weighty and sometimes heavy responsibility.

Now, picture this: you’ve just started your own small business. It’s exciting but terrifying. You’re the boss, so every decision, big or small, falls on your shoulders. The success or failure of your business relies on your actions. There’s no one else to blame if things go wrong. That’s the essence of being "condemned to be free". You have the freedom to make choices, but you also have the responsibility to own up to the consequences.

So how do you use this wisdom in your own life? Start by accepting that you are in control. Think about the choices you make every day—from the food you eat to the job you do. Every decision shapes your life. Own it. If you mess up, learn from it. Don't look for scapegoats. Instead of feeling paralyzed by the responsibility, feel empowered by the freedom you have. It’s your life—steer it in the direction you want it to go.

Imagine a young woman named Sarah. She’s always dreamed of being an artist, but her parents want her to take over the family business. She’s at a crossroads. If she follows her parents' wishes, she might always wonder "What if?" But if she chases her dream, she risks failure and disappointment. Sarah decides to go for it. She rents a small studio, starts creating art, and launches an online shop. It’s tough. Some months, she barely makes rent. But she learns, adapts, and eventually, her work starts to gain recognition.

Sarah’s journey shows what it means to embrace the freedom and responsibility Sartre talks about. She could have easily blamed her parents or circumstances for not pursuing her passion. But she didn’t. She made a choice, took responsibility, and accepted the consequences. Sure, it was scary, but it was also empowering.

So, next time you’re faced with a tough decision, remember that it’s your call. You can decide. And that’s a powerful thing. Whether the outcome is good or bad, it’s all part of your unique journey. Embrace it.