Subversive Simone Weil: A Life in Five Ideas

Simone Weil was a philosopher who lived by her political and ethical ideals, teaching philosophy to lycee students, organizing union workers, fighting alongside anarchists during the Spanish Civil War, and dying in despair because she was not sent to France to help the Resistance. Robert Zaretsky's book explores her insights into politics and ethics, showing a new side of Weil that balances her contradictions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2021
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Simone Weil, the revered patron saint of all outsiders, stands as one of the most remarkable thinkers of the 20th century. A philosopher deeply committed to her political and ethical ideals, Weil lived a life that exemplified her beliefs. Tragically, her life was shaped by the two world wars, during which she dedicated herself to teaching philosophy to lycee students, organizing union workers, actively participating in the Spanish Civil War as an anarchist, and working alongside workers on assembly lines. Despite her limited publishing during her lifetime, Weil's legacy was posthumously enriched through the efforts of Albert Camus. Following her death, hundreds of pages of her manuscripts were published to widespread critical and popular acclaim. While many have been drawn to Weil's religious thought, Robert Zaretsky presents a different perspective, delving into her insights into politics and ethics, unveiling a multifaceted side of Weil that reconciles her contradictions.

Zaretsky explores Weil's profound understanding of politics, highlighting her belief in the importance of social justice and her critique of capitalist systems. He also sheds light on her ethical considerations, emphasizing her commitment to human dignity and her rejection of individualism. Through his exploration, Zaretsky reveals a Weil who balances rigorous rationalism with a unique brand of Catholic mysticism. He showcases her revolutionary spirit, tempered by a soft spot for anarchism, and her unwavering belief in the hierarchy of labor. Moreover, Zaretsky emphasizes Weil's humanitarianism, placing a strong emphasis on human needs and obligations over human rights.

Reflecting on the relationship between thought and action in Weil's life, "The Subversive Simone Weil" pays tribute to the complexity of her thought and underscores its enduring relevance. It explores why Weil's ideas continue to captivate readers today, resonating with contemporary concerns about social inequality, political polarization, and the ethical challenges of our time. By examining the life and work of Simone Weil, "The Subversive Simone Weil" offers a fresh perspective on a philosopher who remains a powerful and influential figure in the world of ideas.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 149 x 222 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226549330