Question

First, I should involve myself; then, act on the old saw, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." … The doctrine I am presenting is the very opposite of quietism, since it declares, ‘There is no reality except in action.’ (“Existentialism,” p. 1174)

In the excerpt above, what does Sartre mean when he quotes “Nothing ventured, nothing gained”?

that people share their successes

that people risk too much for too little

that people should avoid gambling because it is immoral

that people should act

Answer 1

For OdessyWare Users:

The correct one is:

D. That people should act

Answer 2

that people should act

The quote "nothing ventured, nothing gained" means that if you don't take action, you don't try, then you won't gain anything. Sometimes people apply this to dating. If you don't ask the person out, then you'll never go on a date. Sometimes people apply this ideal to the lottery. If you don't play, then you'll definitely never win. The purpose of telling someone this saying is to encourage him or her to act, because without action, nothing will change.