Skye Cleary

In this engaging conversation, philosopher Skye Cleary, author of "How to Be Authentic," explores the nuances of authenticity through the ideas of Simone de Beauvoir. She discusses how authenticity is an ongoing journey of self-creation, rather than a static identity. Skye highlights the tension between societal expectations and personal freedom, particularly in love and relationships. She also delves into the evolution of gender roles and the importance of emotional freedom, making a case for egalitarian partnerships that nurture individuality.

Today we welcome philosopher Skye Cleary. She is a lecturer at Columbia University and the City College of New York. Skye is the author of Existentialism and Romantic Love and co-editor of How to Live a Good Life. Her writing has appeared in The Paris Review, Aeon, Business Insider, TED-Ed, and The Los Angeles Review of Books, among other outlets.In 2021, she was a MacDowell Fellow and In 2017, she won the New Philosopher Writers’ Award. Her latest book is called How to Be Authentic. In this episode, I talk to Skye Cleary about Simone de Beauvoir’s life and how it has informed her existentialist philosophy. As a feminist during the forties, Simone was passionate about freedom of choice. It's not a surprise then that her definition of authenticity also revolves around self-determination. Authenticity is not about finding a true self, but rather a process of creating who we want to be. We also touch on the topics of gender, power, social justice, narcissism, and fulfillment.Website: skyecleary.comTwitter: @Skye_Cleary Topics01:54 French existentialist philosophy04:05 “One is not born, but rather becomes, woman”09:58 Creating our essence12:46 Transcending our impulses18:01 Creative rebellion22:19 Skye’s Critique of Simone de Beauvoir24:03 Authenticity is responsible freedom27:33 Power and freedom32:00 Skye’s background in philosophy33:15 Intersubjectivity: the foundation of ethical relations34:48 Inauthenticity, social media, narcissism38:37 Windows of freedom, genetics, motherhood41:38 Fulfillment is embracing life See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Skye Cleary, a philosopher and author, dives into the transformative ideas of existentialism, particularly through the lens of Simone de Beauvoir. She discusses the challenge of creating personal meaning in a world devoid of predetermined purpose. The conversation highlights the significance of freedom, self-reflection, and authentic choices in shaping identity. Cleary also sheds light on how existentialism can guide our understanding of relationships, encouraging mutual respect and individual authenticity amidst societal pressures.