Describe the anti-semitic person’s attitude toward reason. How does his attitude toward reason reflect or reveal his general attitude toward life, the human condition and even himself? How does his attitude toward reason compare to the attitude of the rational man? Sartre explains that an Anti-Semite is “impenetrable”, and it is actually something he strives to achieve. By gaining impenetrability, the Anti-Semite strengthens his beliefs because another person is not capable of reasoning with him. Sartre believes the Anti-Semite’s “reason” is based on the passion for hatred that he holds for the Jew. Sartre uses the word “monoideism” to explain the irrational Anti-Semite’s passion which is driven by love for his race and jealousy of the Jew. The Anti-Semite chooses to be impenetrable without consideration of different options. Sartre believes that the Anti-Semite gains strong conviction because he prefers to be “impervious to reason”. The Anti-Semite’s view on life is distorted by his impenetrability. Through his life, the Anti-Semite believes that his beliefs are rational and even valid. His perception is effected; his hate for the Jew often consumes him. This consumption does not allow him to admit when he is wrong, or even consider other reasoning. His idea of others, besides those that belong to his race, becomes false. He begins to label others as inferior, evil, greedy, etc. These ideas are based on fear and misconceptions. He believes that all Anti-Semitic views are fact with no exceptions. This causes a distorted view on the human condition. Sartre believes that the Anti-Semite views himself as pure, without flaw. On the other hand, everyone else is mentally disturbed, physically incapable, and, as I stated before, evil. Sartre states that the Anti-Semite differs from the “rational man” because of the rational man&#...
