Alanah K. Lockwood’s research while affiliated with University of Maine at Farmington and other places

In this article, we consider the potential relevance of the philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre to the positive psychology movement. Specifically, we argue that Sartre’s consideration of freedom as the “foundation of all values” can be read as a defense of generosity as the cardinal psychosocial virtue. For Sartre, authentic existence is not simply a quest to realize subjective well-being or to acquire a collection of conventional virtues and character strengths. Rather, authenticity is most appropriately understood as a life (holistically conceived) offering itself as a gift to the Other—a freedom realizing its humanity by nurturing other freedoms. Practical implications of Sartrean thought are considered, with special attention given to “gratitude” as an erstwhile character strength that potentially undermines the quest for freedom.