Rev Left Radio Simone Weil: French Philosopher, Christian Mystic, & Anti-Fascist Radical
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Feb 28, 2020 Corey Mohler, creator of Existential Comics and a keen observer of philosophy, joins to delve into the life of Simone Weil. They explore her radical political activism, intertwined with her Christian mysticism, and the impact of oppressive labor conditions on workers. The conversation highlights Weil's psychological insights on repetitive jobs and critiques traditional Marxism. Corey also sheds light on Weil's transformatively painful experiences during wars, showcasing her commitment to the oppressed, ultimately framing her as a profound thinker reconciling faith and political thought.
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Inverted Sense of Justice
- As a child, Weil displayed an unusual sense of justice, becoming upset when she received advantages.
- For example, she once refused to carry a lighter pack than her brother.
Sibling Rivalry
- Weil's brother was a mathematical genius, which initially made her insecure about her own intellect.
- She overcame this by realizing that dedicated will could still allow her to pursue philosophy.
Weil's Childhood
- Simone Weil's family was agnostic, upper-middle class, and not particularly intellectual.
- However, both she and her brother became intensely interested in literature at a young age.
