Through his work, he has sought criticism. Existentialists are accused of placing emphasis on the dark side of life, sparking ugliness and pessimism. .
Sartre believed in aesthetic existentialism. Aesthetic existentialists believed that "existence precedes essence, or, it you prefer, the subjectivity must be the starting point." (Sartre, 13) Man is believed to be the existence, which precedes this essence, and is what he believes himself to be. "Man will be what he planned, not what he will want to be." (Sartre, 16) We have choices to make, through which we make conscious decisions. Through our decisions, we make a choice. Even if we decide not make a choice, we still have made a choice not to choose. By not choosing, man still chooses, and that still effects more than just himself. Man chooses to make himself who he is. "Existentialisms first move is to make every man aware of what he is and to make the full responsibility of his existence rest on him." (Sartre, 16) He expresses that when humans make conscious decisions, we must also be willing to accept the responsibility for our decisions. Existentialism is owning up to the consequences of our actions. .
In choosing, or making a decision, one must be aware of the effect that it is going to have on not only himself, but also mankind. Every choice made creates a consequence, which effects more than just the person who chooses. In order to live the good life we have to accept that we are not alone in this world. No matter how isolated one may feel, when decisions are made, we must accept the responsibility for our decisions. One man's actions, inevitably effect another man's will. .
According to the existential belief system, God does exist. Without God, man has no justification. Sartre believed that "man is condemned to be free." (Sartre, 23) Man did not create himself; we were born into this world free and responsible for our actions. The existentialist does not look for excuses for his reactions, but again, accepts the responsibility for his actions.