One question that continues to perplex scholars (and honors students alike) is that of what defines human consciousness. It would be simple to say that it is defined by awareness of oneself and one's surroundings. What makes the question so difficult to answer, though, is that consciousness is much more than acute awareness; it is the process of becoming aware, finding the purpose of our consciousness, and building morality and intelligence from that awareness that traps those seeking answers in a web of utter confusion. Early in my quest to understand consciousness, I chose to examine the thoughts and beliefs of Karl Marx and Jean-Paul Sartre. Marx and Sartre are similar in their philosophy in that they both agree that our existence defines the essence(s) of our consciousness, but they differ when discussing their ways of achieving consciousness. For Marx, consciousness is sought through the materials that we, human beings, produce through our work and social and religious practices. Sartre, on the other hand, thinks that consciousness is a “nothingness” and should be defined by the individual rather than by a class or group, as Marx suggests. Ultimately, both agree that humans have the ability to change and control the essence of existence, which is important to understanding the power humans have in their mortal lives. My interest and pursuit of consciousness begins with the empowering thought of control over all essences and the ability of human beings to freely define them. I believe that Marx and Sartre capture the image of human capacity in excellent and similar ways. Their differences, however, call into question how we are to live our mortal lives: we are meant to discover and fulfill our purpose individually or c... middle of paper... of being human. An important belief between these two philosophers is the human ability to control and shape our consciousness using choices and materials to transform it into what we want it to be. They see the power of human beings through their own manifestation and not through a higher being; if anything we might consider ourselves the superior being to whom we should ask for guidance. It is for this reason that Marx and Sartre are noteworthy figures in the understanding and creation of our consciousness.Works CitedSparkNotes Editors. (2005). SparkNote on Jean-Paul Sartre (1905–1980). Retrieved October 31, 2011, from http://www.sparknotes.com/philosophy/sartre/Marx, K. (1968). The German ideology: idealism and materialism. (Vol.1). Progress editors. Retrieved from http://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1845/german-ideology/ch01a.htm