The Gambler's Repeated Decision

Being and Nothingness

This character thread traces the gambler's attempt to leave gambling behind and the renewed freedom that defeats the comfort of a past resolution.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Resolution The Resolution from "Being and Nothingness". The Resolution A Sincere Decision The gambler decides not to return to the gaming table.

The Resolution from "Being and Nothingness". The Resolution A Sincere Decision The gambler decides not to return to the gaming table.

The Resolution A Sincere Decision The gambler decides not to return to the gaming table. The resolution appears to establish a barrier between himself and future play. Its Promise The decision offers security by treating the future as if it could be settled once and for all.

Approaching the Table Approaching the Table from "Being and Nothingness". Approaching the Table The Past Returns When the gambler faces the table, the earlier resolution remains present as a memory but no longer acts as a force.

Approaching the Table from "Being and Nothingness". Approaching the Table The Past Returns When the gambler faces the table, the earlier resolution remains present as a memory but no longer acts as a force.

Approaching the Table The Past Returns When the gambler faces the table, the earlier resolution remains present as a memory but no longer acts as a force. Anguish He recognizes that the old decision cannot choose for him now. Not gambling and gambling are both possibilities he must sustain anew.

The Inefficacy of Memory The Inefficacy of Memory from "Being and Nothingness". The Inefficacy of Memory No Inner Barrier The past resolution is not a thing that can compel present conduct.

The Inefficacy of Memory from "Being and Nothingness". The Inefficacy of Memory No Inner Barrier The past resolution is not a thing that can compel present conduct.

The Inefficacy of Memory No Inner Barrier The past resolution is not a thing that can compel present conduct. Its meaning depends on the present person's free recovery of it. Repetition The gambler must recreate the fear, responsibility, and resolve that once supported abstinence. The past remains his, but it cannot act in his place.

A New Possible A New Possible from "Being and Nothingness". A New Possible Choice Reopened At the table, the gambler sees that he may play again.

A New Possible Choice Reopened At the table, the gambler sees that he may play again. The possibility is not an external force; it is opened by the distance between motive and act. Responsibility The future depends on a self not yet made. The gambler's identity cannot guarantee the action that will follow.

The Decision Again The Decision Again from "Being and Nothingness". The Decision Again No Final Security Whether the gambler abstains or plays, the decision cannot become a permanent possession that eliminates future freedom.

The Decision Again from "Being and Nothingness". The Decision Again No Final Security Whether the gambler abstains or plays, the decision cannot become a permanent possession that eliminates future freedom.

The Decision Again No Final Security Whether the gambler abstains or plays, the decision cannot become a permanent possession that eliminates future freedom. Fate of the Resolution Each new act becomes another past to assume. The story is not a completed conversion but a repeated demand for choice.

Part One, Chapter One, Section V, retrospective example

Part One, Chapter One, Section V, after the resolution

Part One, Chapter One, Section V, during the gambler's crisis

Part One, Chapter One, Section V, at the gaming table

Part One, Chapter One, Section V, near the example's close