The Age of Reason (Jean-Paul Sartre)

"The Age of Reason" by Jean-Paul Sartre is a novel that explores themes of individual freedom, responsibility, and authenticity. Set during the German occupation of Paris in World War II, it follows a young man named Mathieu who seeks to understand his own moral values and sense of identity amid chaos and moral ambiguity. Sartre emphasizes that individuals are free to choose their paths and must take responsibility for their actions, rather than blaming external forces or society. The novel highlights the importance of conscious choice and authentic existence in an uncertain, often oppressive world.