Jean-Paul Sartre ~ June 21, 1905 ~ April 15, 1980

Jean-Paul Charles Aymard Sartre (21 June 1905 – 15 April 1980) was a French existentialist philosopher, playwright, novelist, screenwriter, political activist, biographer, and literary critic. He was one of the leading figures in 20th century French philosophy, existentialism, and Marxism, and his work continues to influence fields such as Marxist philosophy, sociology, and literary studies. Sartre was also noted for his long relationship with the author and social theorist, Simone de Beauvoir. He was awarded the 1964 Nobel Prize in Literature but refused the honour.

Image & text;wikipedia.com

Thirty-three years ago my brother Sherry (Sheridan Watson Bell, III) spent a year's sabbatical from the U.S. Information Service at the University of Bologna. His thesis was on Jean-Paul Sartre. I've always thought it rather peculiar that he studied a French philosopher while he was in Italy, but I guess the connection was Sartre's support of Marxism. Bologna was, and possibly still is, the communist center of Italy. In any case, the following year Sherry and his family moved to Paris!