Simone Weil: A Very Short Introduction

Very Short Introductions #744

by Prof A. Rebecca Rozelle-Stone

This Very Short Introduction provides an overview of the intriguing and provocative life and ideas of twentieth century French philosopher, mystic, and social activist Simone Weil. Weil was not a typical, systematic philosopher. Despite her short life, Weil's philosophy has much to offer us in our times of personal, communal, political, and environmental crises, both in the breath and poignancy of her philosophy, and the topics it covers.

In keeping with Weil's spirit to consider and address laypeople, Rozelle-Stone takes readers, including those who have had little or no previous exposure to Weil or philosophy, on an accessible journey of Weil's major philosophical impacts. This exploration consists of seven chapters her life and manner of death, both characterized by attention; the influence of ancient Greek ideas on her philosophy; her thoughts on labour and politics; her unique and ecumenical religious
inspirations, stemming from Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism; her ethical philosophy centred on a specific notion of attentiveness; her understanding of beauty as connected to fragility but also eternity; and finally, her legacy and influence on contemporary writers and issues, particularly as
she may help us navigate and critically assess the growing convergence between religious fervour, late capitalist and corporate values, and authoritarian politics.

ABOUT THE
The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Religion, Society

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[Kenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the worst introduction to Simone Weil's ideas - definitely not the best.

[Hannah Moenyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is a brief, 118 page, “pocket book”, it packs a punch and took me five months to complete. Part biography, but mostly synthesis of an entire lifetime of Weil’s writings (covering philosophy, ethics, culture, politics, religion and more), it is best read a little bit at a time to properly digest it. Will add this to my list of books to revisit in a few years as I’m sure I will appreciate it in a new way which each reread based on where I’m at in life during each read.

The author, a professor of philosophy herself, does a really good job of synthesizing Weil’s many books (including notebooks full of ramblings) into a few short, clearly organized chapters with an approachable writing style. Definitely a great first book to start with for anyone interested in getting into Simone Weil’s work. I also appreciate how the author connects Weil (who lived almost a century ago) to our world today and ends the book with an optimistic, forward-looking view.

The closing paragraph says it well: “What Simone Weil offers to the 21st century and beyond, I think, is a framework of ‘the fourth dimension’ — that is, a radical framework — from which to view social, cultural, political, and moral problems, a framework that challenges even our most progressive ethical theories. Hers is a paradigm for our present and future that centres on unapologetic truthfulness and self-recentering love of the world. In an age in which capitalism has subsumed all other values, in which political dishonesty and cynicism are the norm, in which sadism and shamelessness are glorified as cheap entertainment, and in which authoritarian violence is rationalized as patriotism, Weil’s remarkable life and philosophy still calls us to look unflinchingly at the this world in crisis and to remember our ever-present hunger for the good.”

[Caleb Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a truly lifesaving little introduction to Weil. While there are a few solid introductions, they often end up focusing on a few major themes in Weil, which is helpful, but at times you need a strong overview that puts a lot of themes together. Rozelle-Stone has provided a fantastic book that covers just about everything you need to know to understand Weil well. This would be a key book to include in any studies of Weil, whether for personal interest or academic like myself.

The only thing missing here for me is a little more interaction with the other thinkers that may have pushed Weil into her thinking and being.

[leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book, simone weils philosophy and life has been a great source of inspiration and motivation during a time where i was lacking both. the summary is a very well written secondary literature for a writer notorious for writing compley and hard to understand texts, providing a great entry into weilian thought for readers without the energy to go into the primary literature directly. a podcast about weil which i listened to during the read and really enjoyed was "philosophize this", if you are interested in weil it is a great resource complementary to the book.

[Adam F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simone Weil is one of those philosophers who has been unnecessarily forgotten. This introduction gives great insight into her miraculous work, although some concepts may be shortened. Her ethics and political views seem especially important in today's time. This book is a great introduction to her sporadic yet caring thoughts.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. She is a modern secular saint, even more than Spinoza, although like Christ, her teachings are totally impractical if you follow it to the letter, however you can't help but admire the purity and goodness as an ideal aspiration that everyone should aim at.