Chapter 3, The Positive Aspect of Ambiguity, Sections 4-5, The Present and the Future, Ambiguity and Conclusion Summary and Analysis

Beauvoir regards the term "future" as having two meanings. First, when we speak of the future we speak of the future of our particular projects and plans, one that exists in a certain sort of way once the project is begun as we foresee that future. However, since the Christian age, another conception of the future has arisen that is world-historical, often apocalyptic and dangerous. Men imagine a revolution in history, be it brought by Christ or by socialism or what have you. As a result, they make it through life's present challenges and tragedies by pointing to a future age. However, the problem with using the eternal future to downplay...