At the Existentialist Café: Freedom, Being, and Apricot Cocktails is a 2016 book written by Sarah Bakewell that covers the philosophy and history of the 20th century movement existentialism. The book provides an account of the modern day existentialists who came into their own before and during the Second World War. The book discusses the ideas of the phenomenologistEdmund Husserl, and how his teaching influenced the rise of existentialism through the likes of Martin Heidegger, Jean Paul Sartre, Simone De Beauvoir, who are the main protagonists of the book. Bakewell takes readers on an intellectual journey, intertwining biographical narratives with philosophical discussions. The work serves as both an introduction to existentialist philosophy and a historical account of a movement that left a profound mark on 20th-century thought. The title refers to an incident in which Sartre's close friend and fellow philosopher Raymond Aron startled him when they were in a cafe, by pointing to the glass in front of him and stating, "You can make a philosophy out of this cocktail."[1]
Bakewell’s work was widely acclaimed for making complex philosophical ideas accessible to general readers without oversimplifying them. According to Book Marks, the book received "positive" reviews based on 13 critic reviews with 4 being "rave" and 9 being "positive".[2] It received praise for its engaging writing style and depth, blending biography with philosophy. Critics have noted how Bakewell brings to life the personalities of the philosophers, offering readers a window into their intellectual and personal lives.
Key figures
Bakewell provides insights into the lives and philosophies of leading existentialists:
Jean-Paul Sartre: The book highlights Sartre’s contribution to existentialism, particularly his ideas on radical freedom and personal responsibility, as expressed in works such as Being and Nothingness.
Simone de Beauvoir: Known for The Second Sex, de Beauvoir’s exploration of gender and the existentialist view on freedom are key topics. Bakewell discusses her contributions to feminist thought and how her relationship with Sartre influenced her work.
Albert Camus: While often considered separate from the existentialist movement, Camus’s philosophy of the absurd and works like The Stranger and The Myth of Sisyphus are integral to Bakewell’s narrative.
Martin Heidegger: Bakewell examines Heidegger’s complex ideas on being and his controversial political affiliations, presenting a nuanced picture of his influence on existentialism.
Philosophical themes
Bakewell delves into existentialist themes such as freedom, authenticity, absurdity, and the search for meaning. The book discusses how existentialist thinkers responded to the crisis of meaning following the devastation of World War II, advocating for individual freedom in a world that often seemed chaotic and meaningless.
The theme of freedom is central to existentialism, particularly as Sartre defined it—seeing freedom as an inherent condition of human existence that carries profound responsibilities. Authenticity, or living according to one’s true self, is another theme explored, with Bakewell illustrating how these philosophers sought to confront societal norms and expectations.
Development of existentialist thought
Bakewell traces existentialism from its 19th-century roots in the works of philosophers such as Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche, who questioned conventional beliefs and focused on individual experience, freedom, and responsibility. These thinkers inspired the next generation of existentialists, who gathered in 1930s and 1940s Paris, transforming the philosophy into a social, political, and literary phenomenon.
The café setting serves as a symbol for existentialist discourse. Parisian cafés, where thinkers gathered to discuss freedom, authenticity, and the nature of being, became a breeding ground for the development of existentialist ideas. Bakewell captures the essence of this intellectual community and its vibrant exchanges, making existentialism accessible to modern readers.
Impact and legacy
At the Existentialist Café not only introduces readers to existentialist thought but also shows how these ideas permeated literature, psychology, art, and social movements. The existentialist emphasis on human freedom and individual choice influenced postwar literature, existential psychotherapy, and political activism, leaving a legacy that continues to shape contemporary thought.
Footnotes
^ abBakewell, Sarah (2016). At the Existentialist Cafe: Freedom, Being, and Apricot Cocktails (1st ed.). New York, New York: Other Books.
