Why does Sartre say you are condemned to be free?

Sartre argues that humans are "condemned to be free" because, in the absence of a predetermined essence or divine guidance, individuals must create their own values and meaning through their choices. This freedom is both a privilege and a burden, as it places the weight of responsibility on each person for their actions and the consequences that follow. In this existential framework, the lack of inherent purpose means that individuals cannot escape the anxiety that comes with absolute freedom and the necessity of self-definition. Thus, freedom becomes a form of condemnation, as it compels constant decision-making and self-reflection.