Please give it a like if you enjoyed! ⌛ Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 1:08 Intellectual Development and Factory Work 4:51 The Spanish Civil War and Christian Awakening 8:54 The Resistant and Her Death 12:05 Conclusion ⭐ Support the channel (thank you!) ▶ Patreon: patreon.com/thelivingphilosophy ▶ Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thelivingphilosophy
I really appreciated your assessment of Simone Weil. I will be looking up Simone De Beauvoir's impressions and Emerson's and Fromm. I believe her extreme sensitivity was expressed through ETHICS to the point of mysticism. She is an incredibly modern pioneering spirit often grossly misunderstood till this day. Thank you again.🌺
Simone Weil speaks in a strong voice to the young and philosophically inclined: That PhD , that postdoc, that tenure are just toys to amuse ourselves and not serious philosophy, the article and paper mill will go on, but where is or soul? Our hearts and work,? With whom?
Thanks for your presentation. Not being a student of the modern French philosophers, I'd kind of mixed up Simone de Beauvoir with Simone Weil .... now I know better! When you spoke about Weil's desire for ultimate solidarity with her suffering people, I couldn't help being reminded of another Jewish philosopher who became a lover of Christ (and Catholic saint) Edith Stein, student of Husserl, who died in the gas chambers of Auschwitz in 1942, having previously, out of solidarity with her people, turned down a chance to escape from the Nazi occupied Netherlands. Some striking parallels, albeit in two women of very different personality.
This is a captivating portrayal. I had not known if Simone Weil prior to this. Thanks for your attention to detail and honest portrayal of this amazing woman!
Love is a bridge from here to now because das most precious thing that I can give my beloved is my present since attention is das purest form of generosity
How many young Simone Weils live among the human race today, but will go unsung, unnoticed, and unlearned-from? Today more than ever it seems is an era for a spirit like she had to disappear into mammon, terror, and narcissism.
I’ve been reading “The Need For Roots” and it has a good vision of functional society, how the people lose touch with greater duty and how to recapture the unifying spirit. She moved away from Marxism and closer to social Christianity later on in life, so there’s a careful regard for the will of the individual in her collective thinking. I’d recommend. It’s written tightly and her approach is interesting.
Absolutely agree! ❤ Living in Italy for decades, I think Simone Weil is perhaps understood only by Pope Francis, and before that the short lived Pope Luciani. There is this maddening tendency to theorize and wade in abstraction so typical of mostly male representatives. Weil's extreme sensitivity is unmatched and misunderstood totally by her male peers.
Wow, great work on Simon Weil! Was introduced to her while reading Os Guinness' very accessible but wide-ranging and fascinating book 'Long Journey Home' (Guinness is what you may call a Christian public intellectual, though his expertise is social science [Oxford], he engages in what i would describe as 'narrative philosophizing' and his 'Long Journey' is an example of that). In an ethos with a bias towards 'privileged secularism', some may downplay Weil's turn to faith, so it's quite refreshing that you did not shy away from this aspect of her life. Thanks. Just subscribed. In the genre of the philosophical search for the 'thin places' between the natural and the spiritual (from a broader discipline), Scruton's The Soul of the World, Peter Berger's A Rumor of Angels, and Philip Yancey's Rumors of Another World will be most rewarding.
Thank you, nice work wish we had one like that in french, but nice to know some english speaker are aware of her philosophy, in France she is mostly unknown in the public unlike Beauvoir sadly.
Glad you enjoyed it Rene. I wonder if I coordinated with some of my French speaking friends maybe we could try to make a French one at some point but foe now I'm glad you enjoyed this one!
I'm currently reading a interesting book not only about Weil but Arendt, Beauvoir and Rand. It characterizes the philosophy of the four women through the years 33-43. The same author wrote a similar book about Wittgenstein, Benjamin, Heidegger and Cassierer. It's already translated in different languages. The English title is Time of the Magicans. It was really great. I got especially in love with Walter Benjamin.
Brother, this was beautifully presented and well spoken in your melodious Irish brogue. A very helpful and informative snapshot of perhaps my favourite Saint which I intend to both share and return to again. Thank you.
This is a wonderful presentation of Simone Weil. Your passion that come through your descriptions of her life shows how her philosophy is of feelings more than thought, a more direct living philosophy. I have only read "The Iliad, or The Poem of Force." I have been working on a book about Homer and for me she wrote the best commentary of the Iliad yet. This is one of my favorite quotes from her in that book. "Such is the nature of force. Its power of converting a man into a thing is a double one, and in its application double-edged. To the same degree, though in different fashions, those who use it and those who endure it are turned to stone." Thank you, I have learned a lot from you.
It was said that the 20th century was the "era of refugees", but the new "era of refugees" continues in the 21st century. During World War II, when a large number of refugees broke out, Simone Weil died, while praying that all refugees would have "rooting places". Greetings from Japan.
Another fine presentation Sir. I'm scaldingly sceptical of all religious claims but fascinated by ''mystical experiences'' - which can't all be dismissed as pathology without begging the question (''Ah, but she is insane!''). And when a philosophically trained Jew turns to Jesus it is worth thinking about. What stands as a testament to her philosophical achievements is that a fair percentage of the younger theologians I know genuinely want to imitate her morality and religious experiences. So few philosophers are taken up as genuine exemplars like this... which probably says something about the close weave of philosophy and life in their cases, as opposed to the vast majority who leave it on campus when they clock off. Keep up the good work, it's much appreciated.
Thanks for reminding me of Simone Weil. I first learned of her many years ago when I was becoming Catholic and active in the Catholic Worker movement. She and Dorothy Day were kindred spirits. Ironically, in those days I loved Weil's essay on attention - only to learn years later that I have ADHD!
dudelove reading about the Parisian intellectuals in the 20th century and Weil was always tough for me to parse but this vid contextualized it all really well!
@@hunterhandley4602 Yeah I might circle back to her later and maybe go deeper into her works and treat this as a foundation. I love her freedom from the traditional concept of a philosopher and allowing herself to explore her political philosophical and religious beliefs all in the same vein rather than as discrete separate aspects.
it's a great one. I like the orientation of philosophy that turns to the other, not focus much on the thinking subject. Simon Weil is one of the great example, like Buber.
One of most central thing she said is "people have no right, they only have duties. What we call rights are other peoples duties." When thinking about it that blew my mind for it is the way to go beyond the right/duty dichotomy.
"Nothing is so beautiful and wonderful, nothing is so continually fresh and surprising, so full of sweet and perpetual ecstacy, as the good. No desert is so dreary, monotonous, and boring as evil. This is the truth about authentic good and evil. With fictional good and evil it is the other way round. Fictional good is boring and flat, while fictional evil is varied and intriguing, attractive, profound, and full of charm." I marvel to think that she written these words long before the pervasive influence of television, social media, mass media diversions, etc. One of the most luminous intelligence in the 20th century.
Excellent segment! Thank you very much for providing a balanced and informative overview of this great woman quite honestly not heard about. I’m sharing some of your quotes with my daughter who is at a crossroads of conforming versus following her own path. Thank you again.
Why lead by saying that her philosophy is more embodied in her living than her writing? Socrates wrote nothing; Weil wrote at a prodigious rate throughout her short life. In her final four months in London alone, she wrote hundreds of pages. On the boat to New York she made every effort to reserve one of the limited number of seats so that she could sit and write the long complex essay 'The Pythagorean Doctrine'. In one of her final letters, she specifically lamented the way that no-one gave any serious attention to her ideas - those which she had written down. Rather than seriously consider her ideas, she noted that people just made remarks about how clever she was. 80 years after her death, it is the fascination with her biography, rather than compliments about her intelligence, that now take the place of serious response to what she actually wrote.
Thank you so much for your video. I’ve been interested in knowing more about Weil and all the other videos I watched were pretty opaque. Really interesting that she was inspired by George Herbert. Thanks again
My admiration of Weil began when I read the need for roots. But, when I read Du Plessix Gray's biography I came to understand her as the woman whose will was too strong for her frail body. Wouldn't you love to have a friend like her?
Being has a tendency to 'return' to clusters ='the nature of solidarity' -a desire for empathy -(Wave)-(yin) and also, Being has a tendency to 'exist' as individuals ='the nature of self-expension' -a desire for breed-(Particle)-(Yang) Likewise, humans have two elements. We must realize that we all have both left and right elements =Solidarity and Self reliance No one has only one element. so 'Sum' derived from 'two poles' , (thesis, antithesis, synthesis) To develop intellect and ethics by harmonizing the two, It is good to realize it and balance it properly But A few people polarized the crowd(political partisanship) without balancing themselves. And They stole only the sum, only the synthesis from the triangle composition. Now We all have to get out of this deceptive situation. This is not the time for us to hate each other. We have to track down those who have been manipulating us.
Thank you for presenting this succinct and heartfelt look at a truly beautiful soul! Well made video, you've definitely inspired me to learn more about this seeker!
She reminds me of Dietrich Bonhoefer, born in 1906. We have his prison letters which document his journey. He was upset when he found out that he received better food and blankets, and insisted to suffer with others in Tegel and later in Buchenwald, becoming a mystic and a martyr.
I apologize but I was wondering if you could clarify: At the 4:17 mark, you mention that the humiliation, surprisingly doesn’t produce rebellion, but instead fatigue and ….. I’m sorry after fatigue I can’t catch that word that you use. If you could clarify. Thank you!
7:30 She refused baptism conscientiously from the Catholic church on the basis of it's institutions and traditions which kept her outside of it, but she did not forsake fellowship and frequently exchanged letters with her Priest. She often would cite incidents where the institutions of the Catholic church would persecute saints. France is an extremely Roman Catholic country at this time and of course, it is the only fellowship that availed itself to her. The integrity of her life is a testimony for those who remain outside of the church's institutions, but nonetheless love God and keep the commands of Christ.
It's so terrible when economy trumps a moralistic culture, a philosophical culture and a cultivation of easy virtue. We need a balanced economy for it's not hard to prosper but it's easier to prosper greater at the costs of exploiting natural ignorance and the abuse onto those who willfully remain ignorant against their deeper knowing.. Indeed Christ's Spirit is very powerful to help a despairing individual no matter. - Your Quality Anarchist
I like this video very much, but am VERY perplexed; while talking about Simone Weil's tragicomic military experience, you dwell for a long time on a photo of French Resistance fighter Simone Segouin holding a weapon! Was this just a case of mistaken identity? Simone Segouin's heroic acts are legendary; both women are heroes of their century.
Apologies I know the photo you are talking about. It wasn't intended to pass that off as Weil it was more of an image intended to fit with the context being talked about that fit in the same period. I didn't realise that the woman in the photo was famous but thank you for pointing it out Wayne I'm curious about her now and must go learn about her
@@taiho7777 Thanks Wayne will do! Btw I read up on Segouin - fascinating character. She's still alive apparently and in her 90s! I'd like to read more about her she seems like a genuinely admirable human being. Curious
This woman compares consciousness & religious quest in a 565 page novel or biography. In hindsight, traveling in our own perspective thru war & peace. For instance, the immediate and guiding aim of this book is to introduce the contemporary reader to the work and thought of Simone Weil. In selecting and arranging her writings thus have tried to present them in order and a pattern designed to enable the reader to grasp the essentials of her life-thought. Our pathways in ethos & pathos should enable us to determine a future within a future. As for the person, delivering a window of opportunity, that opportunity should be within the scope of success and not failure, we can not grasp the ladder if there is not stationary glue to succeed. The person delivering this realm should have the respect of succeeding. Lisa
Das world is a stage because life is a show and we are the main actors. Man wants to make new roads and to create videos because life itself is will to power- That is a fact beyond dispute
I'm not sure to be the best advisor on the subject I only read "On the Abolition of All Political Parties" But since no one reply to you I'll advise you too read it too. It's short and simple to understand. Quite radical but in my opinion she is mostly right, it explains why political party contain on essence the seed of totalitarianism regardless of their side. And it enlight why nowadays people are seeming radical about politic (in US it seems extrem for us in Europe but we have this trend going on too) : they identify to one political side and want to destroy the enemy on the otherside, the truth and common good is irrelevant, only matter the victory of your side. For me it's a nice starting point to the philosophy of Weil. PS : sorry for the mistakes English is not my first language.
@@renefonck8920 , thank you Rene to explain this book of her.. Although I didn't read it, the vision I had ones, after my attention to it, is surprisingly the same! Since then, I spontaneously stopped 'identifying' with groups of people altogether.., countries, religions, politics up to families and friends.. As I felt from the heart, identification is giving up my original one ness, the alone we all should stay. No choises to make, the enjoyment is grace! To whomever enters my life. :-) And Rene, should it be worth to read this book, while I really don't need confirmation and agreement for my pity little 'me'?? Enjoy the moment, and thanks again :-)
@@lulassong6524 "What on earth do you mean??" It is difficult, to recall the exact reference in a video essay that leads to a distinct impression...from two years ago... Look up the terms to grasp a statement or describe Your impression to have a conversation.
Factory work led to incredible fatigue and the death of all thinking (Simone Weil) The banality of evil - caused by the banality of not thinking (Hannah Arendt)
School children and students who love God should never say: "For my part I like mathematics"; "I like French"; "I like Greek." They should learn to like all these subjects, because all of them develop that faculty of *attention* which directed toward God, is the very substance of prayer." Simone Weil
Pretty simple. Our attentiveness is diverted by the digital world into self aggrandizement. Crap. How can being a nurse be a siren for being out of your mind? God is a great concept, humanity is a greater construct. Loved this thanks.
Simone is rightly viewed as a modern saint because her view of love and human responsibility has no barriers. The modern saint loves 'too much' and encourages everyone to follow her lead. She is not interested in logic or consistency. Her attitude reminds me of Archbishop Bloom who in the introduction to one of his books, writes how - as an atheist - he and his mother made a pact never to indulge themselves as long as there is still one starving child in the world. Interesting that neither had children of their own to worry about. You either love her (because she's so good) or hate her (because she's so arrogant).
Logic? She has her own logic, that's the whole point! A pioneer of a new philosophy, sensitivity and compassion put into practice- and a female at that considering the scorn women intellectuals were met with at the time, and even today. J.P.Sartre said the same of not bringing children into the world and rightly so - you dismiss it as not having children 'to worry about'! On the contrary it's a very responsible choice and even a sacrifice! Quite the opposite is irresponsible and selfish. Count the orphans!
What good is insisting on experiencing the deprivation of others so thoroughly that you die? She could have had a long life of service if she weren't so rigid.
I doubt very much her AIM was to die, like certain martyrs who are simply overwhelmed by circumstances - couldn't take any more. Even 'ordinary' human beings die of heartbreak.
It is a good thing you've presented her to us! Thank you. But why is your brain and mouth racing against time? The depth of a word does all the right work in us, not the multitude, which make them meaningless..:-) As like: quick spoken words are just a story, but a single one with space to comprehend is an answer. :-) Thanks, and liked!
Haha I know Thomas this is closer to the normal cadence of how we speak here in Ireland. I've tried to slow it down since making this video so hopefully you'll find some of the more recent ones to be closer to a normal person's cadence!
@@TheLivingPhilosophy , thanks for reacting spontaneously. I will spend some time on this video to react..later, if you like? BTW, there is not such thing as 'Christian awakening' as mentioned. She had quite obviously a Spiritual Awakening, and used her Christian 'tools' to convey.. I have to be careful in understanding, sorry :-)
"It was suddenly born in upon me Christianity is preeminently the religion of slaves". This just seems silly she obviously would have read nietzche who had the same idea and got it from him or someone it's not like an original thought. Still love this women.
Thanks for the presentation! I’m no expert, but here I go. Like the rest of us, Simone seems like a mixed bag. Yes, she was great in many ways, her virtue, courage, initiative, and intellect. But, in spite of all of this, she lacked wisdom. Even the greatest among us suffer from blindness caused from our passion, our suffering, etc. We can’t save the world. There is only so much we can do. How do we manage in a world full of suffering? It reminds me of a joke. How do you eat an elephant? . . . One bite at a time. 🙂
I am moved by her, maybe it incites me to act more! If it is true that she did not eat properly because of soidarity, I actually find this immoral. She is doing harm. Harming herself. Or if not immoral then ignorant of the point I made. But still better than actively harming someone else by ones actions and probably also better than avoiding to act at all. Anyways, I like her quote: Attention is the rarest and purest form of attention".
Let's remind ourselves of the many hunger strikes as a means of non violent political protest needing attention. She was not thinking of herself. It's called idealism. Let's remember Ghandi, Beider Meinhof, Bobby Sands, and may more and Marco Ian bella in Italy, in the 70s. I'm thinking of St.Francis too. Actually, my actor brother played that part in the film (the first one) directed by Lilliana Cavani. Pope Francis liked it!❤
Remember that she probably was affected by her overbearing mother who is said to have had a robust figure. Let's remember her as motivated by love for humans. A very good example of that. @@lulassong6524
Please give it a like if you enjoyed!
⌛ Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
1:08 Intellectual Development and Factory Work
4:51 The Spanish Civil War and Christian Awakening
8:54 The Resistant and Her Death
12:05 Conclusion
⭐ Support the channel (thank you!)
▶ Patreon: patreon.com/thelivingphilosophy
▶ Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/thelivingphilosophy
You are welcome, James
I really appreciated your assessment of Simone Weil. I will be looking up Simone De Beauvoir's impressions and Emerson's and Fromm.
I believe her extreme sensitivity was expressed through ETHICS to the point of mysticism.
She is an incredibly modern pioneering spirit often grossly misunderstood till this day.
Thank you again.🌺
Simone Weil is the conscience of our modern world. Great philosophy, pure spirit and wonderful woman.
Not all women are like big children their whole life long
@@satnamo not all men, either 😊
This one I will share with my younger daughter who admired Simone when she was young. She will love the memory. Thank you.
Just wanna say thank you so much for introducing me to Weil a year ago. Now she is one of my favorite philosopher and has changed my life.
Wow Vincent that's a delight to hear thanks for sharing that this is amazing
Simone Weil is one of a few select voices that I am compelled to return to once per year.
Thank you for raising her visibility here.
Simone Weil speaks in a strong voice to the young and philosophically inclined: That PhD , that postdoc, that tenure are just toys to amuse ourselves and not serious philosophy, the article and paper mill will go on, but where is or soul? Our hearts and work,? With whom?
Thanks for your presentation. Not being a student of the modern French philosophers, I'd kind of mixed up Simone de Beauvoir with Simone Weil .... now I know better! When you spoke about Weil's desire for ultimate solidarity with her suffering people, I couldn't help being reminded of another Jewish philosopher who became a lover of Christ (and Catholic saint) Edith Stein, student of Husserl, who died in the gas chambers of Auschwitz in 1942, having previously, out of solidarity with her people, turned down a chance to escape from the Nazi occupied Netherlands. Some striking parallels, albeit in two women of very different personality.
Excellent observation!❤
This is a captivating portrayal. I had not known if Simone Weil prior to this. Thanks for your attention to detail and honest portrayal of this amazing woman!
Thanks Bek! Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for introducing her to me!
Love is a bridge from here to now because das most precious thing that I can give my beloved is my present since attention is das purest form of generosity
How many young Simone Weils live among the human race today, but will go unsung, unnoticed, and unlearned-from? Today more than ever it seems is an era for a spirit like she had to disappear into mammon, terror, and narcissism.
A person who practiced what she preached, what cane from the heart: true compassion.❤
At great personal expense.
I’m reading Simone Petrement’s biography and already ardently love Weil.
You may love her, but not Andre Weil
I just discovered her work in a used bookstore. Her perspective and insight are the unique mix we sorely lack.
Ah that's cool awesome I actually just picked up a biography of her myself in Kilkenny last week. She's a treasure to be sure
I’ve been reading “The Need For Roots” and it has a good vision of functional society, how the people lose touch with greater duty and how to recapture the unifying spirit. She moved away from Marxism and closer to social Christianity later on in life, so there’s a careful regard for the will of the individual in her collective thinking. I’d recommend. It’s written tightly and her approach is interesting.
@@c.s.hayden3022 fascinating sounds right up my alley thanks Christopher
@@c.s.hayden3022 man tends to chase after the ends and forget about the root because of fame and fortune.
Absolutely agree! ❤ Living in Italy for decades, I think Simone Weil is perhaps understood only by Pope Francis, and before that the short lived Pope Luciani.
There is this maddening tendency to theorize and wade in abstraction so typical of mostly male representatives.
Weil's extreme sensitivity is unmatched and misunderstood totally by her male peers.
Wow, great work on Simon Weil! Was introduced to her while reading Os Guinness' very accessible but wide-ranging and fascinating book 'Long Journey Home' (Guinness is what you may call a Christian public intellectual, though his expertise is social science [Oxford], he engages in what i would describe as 'narrative philosophizing' and his 'Long Journey' is an example of that). In an ethos with a bias towards 'privileged secularism', some may downplay Weil's turn to faith, so it's quite refreshing that you did not shy away from this aspect of her life. Thanks. Just subscribed. In the genre of the philosophical search for the 'thin places' between the natural and the spiritual (from a broader discipline), Scruton's The Soul of the World, Peter Berger's A Rumor of Angels, and Philip Yancey's Rumors of Another World will be most rewarding.
Beautifully done talk, as I listen to the full content after reacting to Plato being called a lightning rod. Hats off! And Thank YOU!
Thank you, nice work wish we had one like that in french, but nice to know some english speaker are aware of her philosophy, in France she is mostly unknown in the public unlike Beauvoir sadly.
Glad you enjoyed it Rene. I wonder if I coordinated with some of my French speaking friends maybe we could try to make a French one at some point but foe now I'm glad you enjoyed this one!
@@TheLivingPhilosophy she would love that, James.
This is in french, in an other topic
th-cam.com/video/Pg0qv0kIaKo/w-d-xo.html
I'm currently reading a interesting book not only about Weil but Arendt, Beauvoir and Rand. It characterizes the philosophy of the four women through the years 33-43. The same author wrote a similar book about Wittgenstein, Benjamin, Heidegger and Cassierer. It's already translated in different languages. The English title is Time of the Magicans. It was really great. I got especially in love with Walter Benjamin.
Wow that sounds fascinating Tani I'm gonna add it to the reading list
Women are like big children their whole life long
Wolfram Eilenberger
Just finished it. Great book.
Brother, this was beautifully presented and well spoken in your melodious Irish brogue. A very helpful and informative snapshot of perhaps my favourite Saint which I intend to both share and return to again. Thank you.
Delighted you enjoyed it so much thank you for the kind words!
Very glad to see more videos on Weil pop up on TH-cam. Great synopsis & commentary, subbed.
Thanks Kaji that's great to hear!
This is a wonderful presentation of Simone Weil. Your passion that come through your descriptions of her life shows how her philosophy is of feelings more than thought, a more direct living philosophy. I have only read "The Iliad, or The Poem of Force." I have been working on a book about Homer and for me she wrote the best commentary of the Iliad yet. This is one of my favorite quotes from her in that book. "Such is the nature of force. Its power of converting a man into a thing is a double one, and in its application double-edged. To the same degree, though in different fashions, those who use it and those who endure it are turned to stone." Thank you, I have learned a lot from you.
❤❤❤❤❤❤
It was said that the 20th century was the "era of refugees", but the new "era of refugees" continues in the 21st century.
During World War II, when a large number of refugees broke out, Simone Weil died, while praying that all refugees would have "rooting places".
Greetings from Japan.
Interesting thought Hitoshi it does seem that the refugee thing is another aspect of modern life
Annihilated, uprooted and displaced...
The Mediterranean is the grave of thousands today... 😢 ❤❤❤
I feel like Simone, it is unbearable.
The movie Europa '51 (1952). Starring Ingrid Bergman as a Simone Weil-esque character. Many similarities between them.
Really? I never ever saw that film even publicized! I'll search for it now!
Both Bergmans are my countrymen!
Another fine presentation Sir. I'm scaldingly sceptical of all religious claims but fascinated by ''mystical experiences'' - which can't all be dismissed as pathology without begging the question (''Ah, but she is insane!''). And when a philosophically trained Jew turns to Jesus it is worth thinking about. What stands as a testament to her philosophical achievements is that a fair percentage of the younger theologians I know genuinely want to imitate her morality and religious experiences. So few philosophers are taken up as genuine exemplars like this... which probably says something about the close weave of philosophy and life in their cases, as opposed to the vast majority who leave it on campus when they clock off. Keep up the good work, it's much appreciated.
My feelings exactly Mark! She really was a fantastic embodiment of living philosophy. Amazing woman!
The most badass philosopher ever
Your channel is a treasure.
Thanks a million for the kind words Valkin!
Love
Patience
Simplicity are 3 greatest treasures of mankind because simplicity is das ultimate form of sophistication
Thanks for reminding me of Simone Weil. I first learned of her many years ago when I was becoming Catholic and active in the Catholic Worker movement. She and Dorothy Day were kindred spirits. Ironically, in those days I loved Weil's essay on attention - only to learn years later that I have ADHD!
Attention is das purest form of generosity because das highest wisdom lies in detachment from my self.
I'd describe that as extreme sensitivity or heightened awareness.
Very hard to cope with!😢❤
Thanks for this video! One of the best videos about Weil out there. I love her very much ♥️
Thanks Rosenna! that means a lot
Me too
Was listening to a previous account on Simone Weil dismissing her as insane with eating disorders.😱 American of course!
Thanks. A very well balanced introduction to Simone Weil's thought and life.
dudelove reading about the Parisian intellectuals in the 20th century and Weil was always tough for me to parse but this vid contextualized it all really well!
That's great to hear Hunter thank you!
@@TheLivingPhilosophy i would love to see more videos on her philosophy!
@@hunterhandley4602 Yeah I might circle back to her later and maybe go deeper into her works and treat this as a foundation. I love her freedom from the traditional concept of a philosopher and allowing herself to explore her political philosophical and religious beliefs all in the same vein rather than as discrete separate aspects.
@@TheLivingPhilosophy absolutely! that would be awesome!
it's a great one. I like the orientation of philosophy that turns to the other, not focus much on the thinking subject. Simon Weil is one of the great example, like Buber.
Teaching by examples is das beste
Great video! Learned a lot and now I want to read more of her work.
One of most central thing she said is "people have no right, they only have duties. What we call rights are other peoples duties."
When thinking about it that blew my mind for it is the way to go beyond the right/duty dichotomy.
Extraordinary writing and narration. Thank you for your dedication to this apparent Saint.
"Note on the general suppression of political parties" is a political text that I think is very important to read.
"Nothing is so beautiful and wonderful, nothing is so continually fresh and surprising, so full of sweet and perpetual ecstacy, as the good. No desert is so dreary, monotonous, and boring as evil. This is the truth about authentic good and evil. With fictional good and evil it is the other way round. Fictional good is boring and flat, while fictional evil is varied and intriguing, attractive, profound, and full of charm." I marvel to think that she written these words long before the pervasive influence of television, social media, mass media diversions, etc. One of the most luminous intelligence in the 20th century.
WOW!❤❤❤
Great exposition by a professorial genius. Glad I'm alive.
Thanks Kehinde! That's very kind of you!
Me too
Amazing story. I will find her books. Excellent story telling!
i feel like i now get where clancy is going with this
Clancy? Who is Clancy? And where are the other 19 pilots?
Great video very professional !
Thank you!
Excellent segment! Thank you very much for providing a balanced and informative overview of this great woman quite honestly not heard about. I’m sharing some of your quotes with my daughter who is at a crossroads of conforming versus following her own path. Thank you again.
very captivating video! thank you
Excellent job. Thank you
Thanks Tony! Much appreciated
Gratitude is das father of all virtues:
Wisdom
Courage
Justice
Keep up the good work!!!!
Thanks Steven!
Whatever is done out of love always takes places beyond good and evil
Why lead by saying that her philosophy is more embodied in her living than her writing? Socrates wrote nothing; Weil wrote at a prodigious rate throughout her short life. In her final four months in London alone, she wrote hundreds of pages. On the boat to New York she made every effort to reserve one of the limited number of seats so that she could sit and write the long complex essay 'The Pythagorean Doctrine'. In one of her final letters, she specifically lamented the way that no-one gave any serious attention to her ideas - those which she had written down. Rather than seriously consider her ideas, she noted that people just made remarks about how clever she was. 80 years after her death, it is the fascination with her biography, rather than compliments about her intelligence, that now take the place of serious response to what she actually wrote.
A very valid point stu
Thank you that was so helpful - we are reading gravity and grace in our theology book club - and struggling a bit!
Glad it helped Vicky!
Thank you so much for your video. I’ve been interested in knowing more about Weil and all the other videos I watched were pretty opaque. Really interesting that she was inspired by George Herbert. Thanks again
Simone was right. Attention, aka awareness: "Awareness is the mother of intelligence, intelligence the door to freedom." - Nisargadatta.
My admiration of Weil began when I read the need for roots. But, when I read Du Plessix Gray's biography I came to understand her as the woman whose will was too strong for her frail body. Wouldn't you love to have a friend like her?
That's a beautiful video
Thanks so much Matheus!
What good is beautiful;
Simple is beautiful!
Excellent video.
Being has a tendency to 'return' to clusters
='the nature of solidarity' -a desire for empathy -(Wave)-(yin)
and also,
Being has a tendency to 'exist' as individuals
='the nature of self-expension' -a desire for breed-(Particle)-(Yang)
Likewise, humans have two elements.
We must realize that we all have both left and right elements
=Solidarity and Self reliance
No one has only one element.
so 'Sum' derived from 'two poles' , (thesis, antithesis, synthesis)
To develop intellect and ethics by harmonizing the two,
It is good to realize it and balance it properly
But A few people polarized the crowd(political partisanship)
without balancing themselves.
And They stole only the sum, only the synthesis from the triangle composition.
Now We all have to get out of this deceptive situation.
This is not the time for us to hate each other.
We have to track down those who have been manipulating us.
No fight;
No blame is the only way to peace and tranquility
Dichotomy.
Thank you for presenting this succinct and heartfelt look at a truly beautiful soul! Well made video, you've definitely inspired me to learn more about this seeker!
Wow, thank you Aaron I'm glad you enjoyed it so much!
What you demonstrate is not a changeable personality at all but wone that grew into its authentic nature.
Interesting person, like her emphasis on action. Great video
Thanks a million Amygdala! She was indeed an interesting cookie
What a person is
is nothing but the manifestation of her Will
is in fact what she wills
She reminds me of Dietrich Bonhoefer, born in 1906. We have his prison letters which document his journey. He was upset when he found out that he received better food and blankets, and insisted to suffer with others in Tegel and later in Buchenwald, becoming a mystic and a martyr.
Hugely helpful and I am so grateful
Delighted to hear it Barry!
What an inspiration her life was.
I know right!
I apologize but I was wondering if you could clarify:
At the 4:17 mark, you mention that the humiliation, surprisingly doesn’t produce rebellion, but instead fatigue and …..
I’m sorry after fatigue I can’t catch that word that you use. If you could clarify. Thank you!
Ah apologies it's docility - to be docile. I've uploaded the subtitles now to help people avoid such confusions in future. Hope this helped!
Language speaks: English is capital!
7:30
She refused baptism conscientiously from the Catholic church on the basis of it's institutions and traditions which kept her outside of it, but she did not forsake fellowship and frequently exchanged letters with her Priest. She often would cite incidents where the institutions of the Catholic church would persecute saints. France is an extremely Roman Catholic country at this time and of course, it is the only fellowship that availed itself to her.
The integrity of her life is a testimony for those who remain outside of the church's institutions, but nonetheless love God and keep the commands of Christ.
here before Clancy comments
Hmm, the name of the channel seems to describe Simone Weil's philosophy the best
Haha I know right! It's philosophers like this that really resonate with my take on philosophy (obviously). Thanks for noticing!
Be good, noble and impressive now-
While it is still matter
Very insightful and a great storyboard, thank you
never heard of her, thank you
You're very welcome Jesse thanks for watching
Truth sounds paradoxical
It's so terrible when economy trumps a moralistic culture, a philosophical culture and a cultivation of easy virtue. We need a balanced economy for it's not hard to prosper but it's easier to prosper greater at the costs of exploiting natural ignorance and the abuse onto those who willfully remain ignorant against their deeper knowing.. Indeed Christ's Spirit is very powerful to help a despairing individual no matter.
- Your Quality Anarchist
Man’s extremities are god’s opportunity
I like this video very much, but am VERY perplexed; while talking about Simone Weil's tragicomic military experience, you dwell for a long time on a photo of French Resistance fighter Simone Segouin holding a weapon! Was this just a case of mistaken identity? Simone Segouin's heroic acts are legendary; both women are heroes of their century.
Apologies I know the photo you are talking about. It wasn't intended to pass that off as Weil it was more of an image intended to fit with the context being talked about that fit in the same period. I didn't realise that the woman in the photo was famous but thank you for pointing it out Wayne I'm curious about her now and must go learn about her
@@TheLivingPhilosophy Thanks for the response. Keep making insightful videos...
@@taiho7777 Thanks Wayne will do! Btw I read up on Segouin - fascinating character. She's still alive apparently and in her 90s! I'd like to read more about her she seems like a genuinely admirable human being. Curious
This reminds me that I must pay my respects to her burial place at Ashford in Kent , which is not far from me 🕉️
Ah yes of course I'd forgotten she was buried in Kent. Get yourself over there!!
@@TheLivingPhilosophy 👍
The life of the dead lives on in the memory of the livings
That's a beautiful response.
Visit her tombstone.❤
This woman compares consciousness & religious quest in a 565 page novel or biography.
In hindsight, traveling in our own perspective thru war & peace. For instance, the immediate and guiding aim of this book is to introduce the contemporary reader to the work and thought of Simone Weil. In selecting and arranging her writings thus have tried to present them in order and a pattern designed to enable the reader to grasp the essentials of her life-thought. Our pathways in ethos & pathos should enable us to determine a future within a future. As for the person, delivering a window of opportunity, that opportunity should be within the scope of success and not failure, we can not grasp the ladder if there is not stationary glue to succeed. The person delivering this realm should have the respect of succeeding. Lisa
Great video! Can anyone tell me the name of the painting at 08:14? Thanks
that she was such a disaster on the front lines makes her even more endearing.
Excellent show.
Thanks a million!
Das world is a stage because life is a show and we are the main actors.
Man wants to make new roads and to create videos because life itself is will to power-
That is a fact beyond dispute
What's reading to start on Weil?
I'm not sure to be the best advisor on the subject I only read "On the Abolition of All Political Parties"
But since no one reply to you I'll advise you too read it too.
It's short and simple to understand.
Quite radical but in my opinion she is mostly right, it explains why political party contain on essence the seed of totalitarianism regardless of their side.
And it enlight why nowadays people are seeming radical about politic (in US it seems extrem for us in Europe but we have this trend going on too) : they identify to one political side and want to destroy the enemy on the otherside, the truth and common good is irrelevant, only matter the victory of your side.
For me it's a nice starting point to the philosophy of Weil.
PS : sorry for the mistakes English is not my first language.
"Waiting for God" and "Gravity and Grace"
@@renefonck8920 , thank you Rene to explain this book of her..
Although I didn't read it, the vision I had ones, after my attention to it, is surprisingly the same!
Since then, I spontaneously stopped 'identifying' with groups of people altogether.., countries, religions, politics up to families and friends..
As I felt from the heart, identification is giving up my original one ness, the alone we all should stay.
No choises to make, the enjoyment is grace! To whomever enters my life. :-)
And Rene, should it be worth to read this book, while I really don't need confirmation and agreement for my pity little 'me'??
Enjoy the moment, and thanks again :-)
@@sthetatos
Thought you'd written Godot!😅
@@ThomiX0.0
That's one HUGE lesson!
ALL should learn. ❤
Emotive presentation, but relevant biography.
What on earth do you mean??
@@lulassong6524
"What on earth do you mean??"
It is difficult, to recall the exact reference in a video essay that leads to a distinct impression...from two years ago...
Look up the terms to grasp a statement or describe Your impression to have a conversation.
Excellent presentation . . so glad I got rid of the TV
How much luxury there is in das world that I don’t want
Factory work led to incredible fatigue and the death of all thinking (Simone Weil)
The banality of evil - caused by the banality of not thinking (Hannah Arendt)
School children and students who love God should never say: "For my part I like mathematics"; "I like French"; "I like Greek." They should learn to like all these subjects, because all of them develop that faculty of *attention* which directed toward God, is the very substance of prayer." Simone Weil
Thank you
Her brother André Weil was a fine mathematician. He worked with Algebra.
It is called number theory.
I want to use a German pronunciation V-Aye-Uhl. You are pronouncing like Veil. But she was French, so I think she would have pronounced it as "VAY"
I ❤ 21 pilots
thanks!
Pretty simple. Our attentiveness is diverted by the digital world into self aggrandizement. Crap. How can being a nurse be a siren for being out of your mind? God is a great concept, humanity is a greater construct. Loved this thanks.
Thank you sos much.
Simone is rightly viewed as a modern saint because her view of love and human responsibility has no barriers. The modern saint loves 'too much' and encourages everyone to follow her lead. She is not interested in logic or consistency. Her attitude reminds me of Archbishop Bloom who in the introduction to one of his books, writes how - as an atheist - he and his mother made a pact never to indulge themselves as long as there is still one starving child in the world. Interesting that neither had children of their own to worry about. You either love her (because she's so good) or hate her (because she's so arrogant).
Logic? She has her own logic, that's the whole point! A pioneer of a new philosophy, sensitivity and compassion put into practice- and a female at that considering the scorn women intellectuals were met with at the time, and even today.
J.P.Sartre said the same of not bringing children into the world and rightly so - you dismiss it as not having children 'to worry about'!
On the contrary it's a very responsible choice and even a sacrifice!
Quite the opposite is irresponsible and selfish. Count the orphans!
What good is insisting on experiencing the deprivation of others so thoroughly that you die? She could have had a long life of service if she weren't so rigid.
I doubt very much her AIM was to die, like certain martyrs who are simply overwhelmed by circumstances - couldn't take any more.
Even 'ordinary' human beings die of heartbreak.
what a fucking true chad Simone Weil, godspeed
It is a good thing you've presented her to us! Thank you.
But why is your brain and mouth racing against time?
The depth of a word does all the right work in us, not the multitude, which make them meaningless..:-)
As like: quick spoken words are just a story, but a single one with space to comprehend is an answer. :-)
Thanks, and liked!
Haha I know Thomas this is closer to the normal cadence of how we speak here in Ireland. I've tried to slow it down since making this video so hopefully you'll find some of the more recent ones to be closer to a normal person's cadence!
@@TheLivingPhilosophy , thanks for reacting spontaneously.
I will spend some time on this video to react..later, if you like?
BTW, there is not such thing as 'Christian awakening' as mentioned.
She had quite obviously a Spiritual Awakening, and used her Christian 'tools' to convey..
I have to be careful in understanding, sorry :-)
A simple and verbatim reading of the wiki page
Quote authors please!
"It was suddenly born in upon me Christianity is preeminently the religion of slaves".
This just seems silly she obviously would have read nietzche who had the same idea and got it from him or someone it's not like an original thought. Still love this women.
Blind obedience? The many who follow the Preacher?
I think I agree with DeGaulle, she was insane.
Thanks for the presentation! I’m no expert, but here I go. Like the rest of us, Simone seems like a mixed bag. Yes, she was great in many ways, her virtue, courage, initiative, and intellect. But, in spite of all of this, she lacked wisdom. Even the greatest among us suffer from blindness caused from our passion, our suffering, etc. We can’t save the world. There is only so much we can do. How do we manage in a world full of suffering? It reminds me of a joke. How do you eat an elephant? . . . One bite at a time. 🙂
A much more useful thinker than jerks like Sartre, Nietzsche, and Scopenhauer. 😊
Fascist Nationalist Socialists is a hilariously incoherent term. Like, Warmonger Pacifist. Moral Capitalist.
The real deal.
100%
Plato is an unsystematic 'lightning rod?" okay then, say what you will! How about Pythagoras, unsystematic? Thats the internet.
16.
I am moved by her, maybe it incites me to act more!
If it is true that she did not eat properly because of soidarity, I actually find this immoral. She is doing harm. Harming herself. Or if not immoral then ignorant of the point I made.
But still better than actively harming someone else by ones actions and probably also better than avoiding to act at all.
Anyways, I like her quote: Attention is the rarest and purest form of attention".
Awareness. Paying attention!❤
Let's remind ourselves of the many hunger strikes as a means of non violent political protest needing attention.
She was not thinking of herself. It's called idealism.
Let's remember Ghandi, Beider Meinhof, Bobby Sands, and may more and Marco Ian bella in Italy, in the 70s.
I'm thinking of St.Francis too.
Actually, my actor brother played that part in the film (the first one) directed by Lilliana Cavani.
Pope Francis liked it!❤
Remember that she probably was affected by her overbearing mother who is said to have had a robust figure. Let's remember her as motivated by love for humans. A very good example of that. @@lulassong6524
11:17
3.
Who else is here from twenty one pilots 🙋
What do they have to do with this?
Her brother was also an extrememly smart guy.