Welcome to Short Tales


A collection of short stories for your reading enjoyment

Currently 12,517 short tales

| Next Page

Advertise here



The Existentialist's Gateway: A Journey of Self-Discovery



It was the year 2087, and the world had changed dramatically since the days of the great philosopher, Jean-Paul Sartre. The concept of "existentialism," which Sartre had made famous in his writing and teachings, had become a central tenet of society. People were constantly struggling to find meaning and purpose in their lives, as they navigated the complexities of an increasingly interconnected world.

In this brave new world, a young man named Eli stumbled upon an old book in a dusty antique shop. As he flipped through its yellowed pages, he discovered that it was a rare edition of Sartre's "Being and Nothingness." Intrigued, Eli bought the book and took it home, where he became engrossed in its philosophical musings.

As he delved deeper into the text, Eli began to feel a strange sensation. It was as if he was being pulled into the very fabric of the book itself, as if the words on the page were coming to life and enveloping him in their existentialist embrace. He felt his mind expanding, his thoughts multiplying, and his soul stretching to accommodate the vastness of the philosophical ideas presented within.

Eli soon realized that he had stumbled upon something much more profound than a simple book. He had discovered a gateway to a realm where the boundaries between reality and fiction blurred, and where the concepts of existentialism came alive in a way that defied explanation. As he delved deeper into this realm, Eli found himself face to face with Sartre himself, who was waiting for him on the other side of the gateway.

"Ah, a fellow seeker," Sartre said with a smile, his eyes twinkling with the same intensity that had characterized his writing. "I have been waiting for you, Eli. You have stumbled upon something truly remarkable here. The concepts of existentialism are not just theories or ideas – they are living, breathing entities that can transform your very being."

Eli was both amazed and terrified at the prospect. He had always struggled with the idea of finding meaning in his life, and now he had stumbled upon a realm where existentialism was more than just a philosophy – it was a living, breathing force that could change him forever.

"What do you want from me?" Eli asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Sartre chuckled. "Ah, you are already beginning to see the beauty of existentialism," he said. "You want to know what I want from you? Very well. I want you to embrace the concept of 'being-for-yourself.' It is the core of existentialism, and it is the key to unlocking your true potential. You see, Eli, you are not just a passive observer in this world – you are an active participant. Your choices, your decisions, your very existence is what gives meaning to your life. So go forth, my young friend, and make your mark upon the world."

And with that, Sartre vanished, leaving Eli alone in the realm of existentialism. But he was not alone for long. As he delved deeper into this strange new world, Eli found himself encountering other beings who were also grappling with the concept of "being-for-yourself." They were philosophers, artists, and even ordinary people who had stumbled upon the same gateway as Eli.

Together, they explored the depths of existentialism, discovering new insights and perspectives at every turn. They debated and argued, laughed and cried, and above all, they found meaning in their lives through their shared struggles and triumphs. And as they did so, Eli realized that he had stumbled upon something much more profound than a simple book – he had discovered a community of like-minded individuals who were grappling with the same fundamental questions about existence, identity, and purpose.

In the end, Eli emerged from the gateway a changed person. He had found his place in the world, his "being-for-himself," and he knew that he would always be grappling with the concepts of existentialism. But he was no longer afraid – he was empowered by the knowledge that he was not alone in his search for meaning, and that he had discovered a community of fellow seekers who would always be there to support him along the way.


The A-Z Challenge: Where Creativity Meets Structure

Adventure Beckons: A Journey of Discovery and Power

Max's Mastery of Metalwork: A Tale of Detail and Admiration

Unveiling Aachen's Enchanted Realm: A Traveler's Journey into Magic

Aaliyah: The Star Who Shone Brightest Despite Criticism

Arnie's Adventure: The Little Aardvark Who Stood Up for What Was Rightfully His

Arty the Aardvark: The Unlikely Rockstar of the African Savannah

Aardvarks and Hyenas Unite for an Epic Journey and Lasting Friendship.

From Teenage Dreams to Global Acclaim: Aaron's Journey to Becoming a Music Producer Extraordinaire

Sailing into the Depths: A Young Man's Quest for Oceanic Wonder

Bringing Dreams to Life: The Magical Adventures of Ava

A World of Magic: The Ancient Tree's Lessons

The Ingenious Abacus: How One Man's Passion for Mathematics Changed History

Young Blacksmith Continues Legacy of Grandfather's Forge After Tragic Fire

The Abacus Master: A Legacy of Mathematical Brilliance

The Abacus Wizard: How Li's Math Skills Brought Prosperity to a Rural Chinese Village

The Math Whiz of the Village: Maria's Abacus Adventure

The Engine Room Enigma: A Mysterious Encounter at Sea

The Magical Adventures of Luna and Abalone: A Tale of Friendship and Wonder

The Secret Life of Abalones: A World of Wonder and Adventure

The Magical Abalone: A Tale of Friendship and Wonder

Abigails Journey: Finding Hope Amidst Regret

Abandoning My True Self: A Journey of Rediscovery

Abandonment: A Journey of Resilience

The Shadowed City: A Haunting Legacy of Disappearance

Maria's Mystical Journey: Unlocking Her True Potential

The Kind Heart of Abase: A Legacy of Compassion and Caring

The Brave Girl of the Rolling Hills: Abash's Quest to Save the Forest

Abashed: The Animal Communicator's Quest for Kindness and Protection

The Legend of Ash and Lila: A Tale of Unlikely Love

Emily's Gift of Courage

Unlocking the Art of Winemaking: A Small Village's Legacy of Passion and Excellence

The Sky's Great Mystery: A Massive Light Figure Appears in the Abatement

The Ancient Tree's Gift: A Boy's Quest for Communication

Ember's Legacy: A Young Girl's Quest to Protect the Natural World

The Secrets of Abattoir: A Gateway to Malevolent Spirits

The Magic Within: A Kind Man's Journey to Enchanted Lands

The Boy Who Wished for Adventure: A Magical Tale of Travel and Triumph

Ali's Journey: Pursuing Knowledge and Enlightenment in Baghdad's Great University

The Golden Age of Baghdad: A Love Story of Rebellion and Freedom

Amidst the Winter's Darkness, a Beacon of Hope: The Story of Abbé Pierre and His Café of Compassion

A Glimmer of Hope: A Priest's Encounter with Magic

The Wishes of the Abbaye de Bellevue: A Monastery's Descent into the Supernatural

Finding Peace in the Face of Doubt: The Story of Brother Thomas

The Abbess's Heart: A Tale of Love, Compassion, and Redemption

Finding Peace and Purpose at St. Agnes Abbey: A Story of Grief, Healing, and Redemption

Unlocking the Secrets of the Ancient Abbey: Sarah's Journey to Enlightenment

Finding Peace in the Ancient Walls: A Young Woman's Journey to Solace at the Abbey of St. Mary

The Eternal Sanctuary: A Place of Peace and Legacy

The Magic of Abbot: A Young Man's Quest for Ancient Power

Finding Inner Peace: A Journey of Discovery and Transformation

Finding Peace and Purpose in the Heart of Abbots

The Shroom's Sinister Spell: A Clever Inventor's Deadly Descent into Dark Magic

The Mysterious Case of the Disappearing Donuts: A Tale of Mischievous Treats

The Magic of Abbr: A Curious Girl's Journey to Mastery

The Secret of the Hidden Clearing: A Brave Girl's Quest for Adventure and Survival

The Guardian of the Woods: A Young Girl's Quest for Magic and Protection

Adventurous Brave Curious Expeditions in Enchanted Lands: Alice's Magical Journey

King Edward Abdicates, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Kindness and Compassion

The Kingdom's New Queen: A Reflection of Wisdom and Compassion

The Kingdom's Unlikely Abdication: King Edward's Journey to Simplicity

The Kind and Just King: A Legacy of Wisdom and Compassion

King Henry's Legacy of Peace: The Kingdom's Path Towards Selfless Leadership

A New Queen, a New Era: The Transition of Power in a Far-Off Kingdom

A New Era Begins: King Edward's Legacy Continues

Abduction and Experimentation on an Unknown Planet

The Nightmare Unfolded

Sarah's Journey: From Earth to Alien Ship and Back Again

The Shadow Watchers: A Chronicle of Fear

The Mysterious Abductions of Willow Creek: A Town Forever Changed

Abducted by Alien Zorbs: Sarah's Fateful Night

Escape from Captivity: A Tale of Determination and Freedom

Trapped in Darkness: Sarah's Escape

The Alien's New World

Abe's Community Garden: A Small Act of Kindness with a Lasting Impact

Abe's Elemental Magic: A Simple Tailor's Quest for Heroism

Sailing Through the Storm: Abeam's Heroic Rescue

Abed's Magical Grove: A Legendary Adventure of Wonder and Discovery

Abel's Quest: A Journey of Kindness and Adventure

The Craftsman's Quest: Unlocking Inner Power and Potential

The Passionate Pursuit of True Love: The Tale of Pierre Abelard and Heloise

The Curious Adventures of Abelson: A Young Girl's Quest for Magic and Bravery

Abelsons: The Portal to Infinite Journeys

The Secret Isle: A Journey of Discovery and Redemption

Finding Solace in Aberdeen's Cozy Cup

The Secret Heart of Abernathy: A Tale of Adventure and Homecoming

A Town's Transformation: From Industrial Hub to Artistic Oasis

The Evil Force Within

The Aberrants Tale: A Mysterious Encounter in the Rainy City

The Girl Who Saved Eleria: A Tale of Magic and Bravery

Alice's Enchanted Adventure: The Girl Who Could Talk to Animals

The Magical Friendship of Hootie and Betsy: A Tale of Joy and Wonder

Thieving in the Night: A Master Heist

The Book of Unlocking: A Tale of Ingenuity and Responsibility in a World of Advanced Technology

Finding Hope: Better's Journey to a Better Life

The Betters' Downfall: A Hero's Quest for Humanity's Future

The Magic of Community: Ember's Legacy

The Bettors Curse: When Desire Becomes a Living Nightmare

The Shadow Whispers: A Beta's Descent into Darkness

Embracing Abeyance: Finding Hope and Resilience in the Face of Adversity

| Next Page

Advertise here

All stories are fictional works
- You may use any of these short stories as a base to create your own longer stories! -