The French writer Jean-Paul Sartre caused a scandal when he rejected the Nobel Prize for Literature on October 22, 1964. Sartre believed that he should not be crowned by fifty older gentlemen who write bad books. He made it clear to the Swedish Academy that he did not want to be considered for the prize. Despite his rejection, the news of Sartre winning the Nobel Prize spread worldwide, followed shortly by his refusal.
Sartre was aware that the prize money of 250,000 kronor, equivalent to 220,000 DM at the time, was a significant amount. He admitted that the money could have been used to support movements and organizations, such as the London Apartheid Committee. Eleven years later, there was speculation about whether Sartre could still receive the prize money, but he denied this claim, stating that he did not write the letter requesting the funds, and the money had already been returned to the Foundation according to the Academy’s rules.
In 1976, Sartre deviated from his principle of rejecting honors from institutions by accepting an honorary doctorate from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem for his anti-Semitism activism. This decision marked a departure from his usual stance of refusing institutional recognition. It is worth noting that Sartre, along with his life partner Simone de Beauvoir and publishers Robert and Claude Gallimard, embarked on a journey together in a car, demonstrating their solidarity in the face of challenges.
The rejection of the Nobel Prize by Sartre shed light on the existentialist philosophy and the influence of the Cold War on the decisions of both Sartre and the Nobel Prize Committee. Sartre’s reputation as a “great naysayer” stemmed from his principled stance on rejecting institutional accolades. The complexities of Sartre’s life and his philosophical contributions continue to intrigue scholars and enthusiasts alike.
Further exploration of Sartre’s legacy and his impact on philosophy and literature reveals a nuanced understanding of his beliefs and actions. The debates surrounding his rejection of the Nobel Prize underscore the tension between individual integrity and institutional recognition. As we reflect on Sartre’s life and choices, we are reminded of the enduring relevance of his ideas in contemporary discussions on freedom, ethics, and existentialism.