Simone Weil: An Introduction to Her Thought

by John Hellman

Albert Camus called her "the only great spirit of our time" She was one of the most prominent French political thinkers of this century. She was a brilliant social activist, a vigilant and critical Marxist. Her religious and philosophical writings are remarkable in their originality. And yet Simone Weil died without ever writing a complete book and without ever formulating a major intellectual testament. In this study of her life and thought, John Hellman synthesizes insights drawn from her varied, fragmentary writings-notebooks, essays, and letters-into a single, highly original view of the world. This fascinating book reinforces the belief that Simone Weil remains one of the most imaginative and out-of-the-ordinary forces in twentieth-century political thought and social activism.

Genres: Philosophy, Theory, Womens

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 17, 1983

Reviews

[G]

A good introduction. It didn't always have a tone I could easily associate with. I suppose this is because the book was first published 40 years ago. The book does what it sets out to do though.

[Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding introduction to an elusive and esoteric, but important, figure in 20th c. French philosophical discussion. Camus described her as the "only great spirit of our times," though she was a Christian and he was an atheist. Hellman explains in great detail her unorthodox and highly original theories and how they relate to her life. This little biography challenged me several times and helped me appreciate more the thoughts of this young Parisian.

[John Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very fine introduction – as promised – to the thought of Simon Weil. He quotes extensively both on her writing as well as contemporaries. A remarkable woman living in a very difficult time. It has made me want to read more of her writings and life.

[bookcasewalls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best introductory text on Weil I have read so far.