Summary

"At the Existentialist Café: Freedom, Being, and Apricot Cocktails" by Sarah Bakewell delves into the heart of existentialism, tracing its roots and development through the lives and ideas of key figures. The narrative begins in Paris, 1933, where a conversation sparked by Raymond Aron’s observation about finding philosophy in a cocktail ignites Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir's exploration of existence, freedom, and being.

The book explores the early influences, notably the phenomenology of Edmund Husserl and the profound impact of Martin Heidegger, whose complex relationship with Nazism casts a long shadow over his philosophy. As the movement gains momentum, Bakewell navigates the intricate dynamics between Sartre, Beauvoir, Albert Camus, and others, dissecting their philosophical contributions and personal entanglements.

Bakewell illuminates the core tenets of existentialism, including freedom, responsibility, and authenticity, by examining how these concepts played out in the lives of the philosophers. The text portrays the existentialist subculture that flourished in post-war Paris, characterized by smoky cafés, fervent debates, and a rebellious spirit. She further discusses how existentialism grappled with the pressing issues of the time, such as war, oppression, and the looming threat of nuclear annihilation.

The narrative highlights the impact of existentialist thought on social and political movements, including feminism, civil rights, and anti-colonialism. The book also discusses the influence and legacy of key existentialists and phenomenologists, such as Emmanuel Levinas, and Iris Murdoch. Through vivid anecdotes and accessible explanations, "At the Existentialist Café" invites readers to engage with a philosophy that continues to resonate in the modern world, prompting reflection on what it means to be human.

As the story unfolds, the intellectual and personal tensions among these thinkers intensify. Bakewell charts the dissolving friendships and philosophical divides that arose from their differing responses to historical events and political ideologies, including their relationship with the soviet union, Nazism and the cold war. Despite these conflicts, she demonstrates how their ideas continue to shape contemporary discussions about ethics, politics, and the human condition.

The books concludes with their struggles and later reflections on lives of these key existentialists. Readers are left with a sense of existentialism’s enduring power to transform lives and challenge conventional thinking, offering a philosophical framework to find meaning and authenticity in an often absurd world.