Introduction to Simone Weil's Life and Influence

Simone Weil was a French philosopher, political activist, and Christian mystic who lived through World War I and World War II. She was born to an upper-middle-class Jewish family that was agnostic, yet her early exposure to literature and philosophy laid the foundation for her future radical beliefs. Throughout her life, she sought to align her actions with her profound sense of justice, often putting herself in the shoes of the oppressed. Weil is recognized for her unique blend of leftist political thought and religious mysticism, which has inspired many on both sides of the spectrum.