Smile from morning’s sole crossing pedestrian instantly dissolves Stanfield Road guard’s paralyzing existential crisis
- G Papa Tango
- Jul 13
- 3 min read

In the bustling rhythm of everyday life, moments of connection often emerge unexpectedly, illuminating the mundane with a profound significance. Such was the case on Stanfield Road, where the solitary guard stationed there found himself ensnared in the grips of an existential crisis until a chance encounter with a stranger dissolved his turmoil with a single smile.
For this unnamed guard, each dawn marked the commencement of another shift—a predictable routine amid the chaotic tapestry of city life. Yet, within the solitude of his watch, existential questions gnawed at his consciousness, casting doubt upon the meaning of his existence and the significance of his role in the world.
On one fateful morning, as the first glimmers of sunlight bathed the deserted street, a solitary figure emerged—a lone pedestrian crossing the otherwise empty road. As their paths intersected, the pedestrian bestowed upon the guard a warm, genuine smile—a beacon of human connection in the sea of anonymity.
In that fleeting moment, the guard felt a profound shift within himself. The weight of his existential ponderings, which had burdened him for so long, began to dissipate. In the simple exchange of a smile, he found solace—a reminder of the inherent beauty in human interaction, even amidst the vast expanse of urban isolation.
The smile served as a catalyst, igniting a chain reaction within the guard's psyche. Suddenly, the world seemed less bleak, less daunting. His role as a guardian of Stanfield Road took on new meaning—not merely a post to occupy, but a platform for fostering connection and spreading positivity.
As the pedestrian continued on their journey, the guard watched with newfound clarity, his once-paralyzing existential crisis replaced by a sense of purpose and renewed vigor. With each subsequent encounter, he greeted passersby with a smile of his own—a small gesture, yet one imbued with the power to transcend barriers and brighten even the darkest of days.

In the grand tapestry of human existence, it is often the smallest acts of kindness that resonate most deeply. The smile from the morning's sole crosser on Stanfield Road serves as a poignant reminder that amidst life's uncertainties, connection and compassion have the power to dissolve even the most profound existential crises, one smile at a time.
FURTHERMOREOVERKILL
G Papa Tango, how would Sartre view the crossing guard's life?
Jean-Paul Sartre, a prominent existentialist philosopher, would likely view the crossing guard's life through the lens of existentialism, emphasizing themes of freedom, responsibility, and the creation of one's own meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.
From Sartre's perspective, the crossing guard's existence would be characterized by radical freedom—the freedom to choose his actions and define his own essence. Sartre famously stated that "existence precedes essence," meaning that individuals exist first and then define themselves through their choices and actions. In this light, the crossing guard's role as a guardian of Stanfield Road is not inherently meaningful; rather, it is through his conscious choice to embrace his role and find purpose within it that he imbues his existence with significance.
Sartre would likely commend the crossing guard for his ability to confront his existential crisis and create meaning in his life, even in the face of apparent absurdity. By choosing to greet passersby with a smile and foster human connection, the guard demonstrates his commitment to authenticity and personal responsibility. In a world devoid of inherent meaning, Sartre would argue that individuals must take ownership of their lives and create meaning through their actions—an endeavor in which the crossing guard has clearly succeeded.
However, Sartre would also caution against complacency and the temptation to rely on external sources of validation or purpose. While the crossing guard has found meaning in his role, Sartre would urge him to continually question and reevaluate his choices, remaining vigilant against the threat of bad faith—the self-deceptive attempt to flee from freedom and responsibility.

Overall, Sartre would likely view the crossing guard's life as a testament to the power of human agency and the capacity for individuals to create meaning in a world devoid of inherent significance. By embracing his freedom and choosing to act authentically, the crossing guard exemplifies the existentialist ideal of living with purpose and integrity in the face of life's inherent uncertainties.
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