Jean-Paul Sartre's writings were profoundly influenced by existentialism, a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom and choice. His ideas revolve around existence preceding essence, asserting that humans define their own meaning through actions. Influences from phenomenology, particularly by Edmund Husserl, shaped his view of consciousness. Additionally, Marxism played a role in his social critique. Sartre’s exploration of bad faith illustrates how individuals escape responsibility, an idea central to his thought. His belief in authentic existence challenges societal norms, urging individuals to take ownership of their choices and the consequences that follow.