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"لا توجد حقيقة إلا في العمل"

Jean Paul Sartre
Jean Paul Sartre Philosopher
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Quote meaning
The core idea behind the quote "There is no reality except in action" is that our true existence and the essence of our being are defined by what we do. Our thoughts and intentions only become real and impactful when we translate them into actions. It's like having a great idea for a novel but never writing it down—until you actually start typing away, that fantastic story is just a dream floating in your head.

This concept can be traced back to existential philosophy, particularly the thoughts of Jean-Paul Sartre. In the mid-20th century, Sartre emphasized that individuals define themselves through their actions. He believed that we’re not born with a purpose; rather, we create our essence by what we choose to do. Sitting around and contemplating doesn’t shape our reality—jumping into the fray and making things happen does.

Let’s look at a practical example. Think about a person who wants to start their own business. They might spend months dreaming about the perfect coffee shop, imagining the décor, the menu, the friendly conversations with customers. But if they never take the steps to register their business, secure a location, buy the equipment, and open the doors, that coffee shop remains a fantasy. It’s the actions—taking a loan, hiring staff, brewing that first cup—that make the coffee shop real.

So how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by recognizing that intentions are just the starting point. You need to commit to concrete steps. Want to get fit? Sign up for that gym membership, set your alarm for early morning workouts, and stick to a diet plan. Want to learn a new language? Download a language app, join a class, and practice daily. It’s all about moving from thought to action.

Imagine this scenario: You’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar. You’ve watched countless YouTube tutorials, read forums, and even bought yourself a shiny new instrument that sits in the corner of your room, collecting dust. The reality of being a guitar player only starts when you pick up that guitar and start strumming those strings—no matter how clumsy it feels at first.

A friend of mine once dreamed of becoming a chef. She spent years watching cooking shows and collecting recipes, but her kitchen lay mostly unused. One day, she decided enough was enough. She enrolled in a culinary course, started cooking every day, and even began hosting small dinner parties for friends. Today, she runs a successful catering business. Her reality as a chef didn't come from just loving food and recipes; it came from her actions—cooking, experimenting, and serving dishes.

In essence, real change and real existence come from doing, not just thinking or planning. So, the next time you find yourself dreaming about something you want to achieve, remember: there is no reality except in action. Go ahead—take that first step. You'll be amazed at how your world starts to shift when you do.
Related tags
Action Authenticity Being Existence Existentialism Individualism Philosophy Pragmatism Reality Sartre
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