Quotations From SIMONE WEIL

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• 21.

  The most important part of teaching = to teach what it is to know.

  Simone Weil (1909-1943), French philosopher, mystic. repr. in First and Last Notebooks, pt. 4, ed. Richard Rees (1970). London Notebook (written 1943, published 1950).
• 22.

  Why is it that reality, when set down untransposed in a book, sounds false?

  Simone Weil (1909-1943), French philosopher, mystic. "London Notebook," (1943), published in First and Last Notebooks, ed. Richard Rees (1970).
• 23.

  In the intellectual order, the virtue of humility is nothing more nor less than the power of attention.

  Simone Weil (1909-1943), French philosopher, mystic. "Intelligence and Grace," Gravity and Grace (1947, trans. 1952).
  
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• 24.

  The role of the intelligence—that part of us which affirms and denies and formulates opinions—is merely to submit.

  Simone Weil (1909-1943), French philosopher, mystic. "Intelligence and Grace," Gravity and Grace (1947, trans. 1952).
• 25.

  A test of what is real is that it is hard and rough. Joys are found in it, not pleasure. What is pleasant belongs to dreams.

  Simone Weil (1909-1943), French philosopher, mystic. "Illusions," Gravity and Grace (1947, trans. 1952).
• 26.

  Beauty always promises, but never gives anything.

  Simone Weil (1909-1943), French philosopher, mystic. repr. In Selected Essays, ed. Richard Rees (1962). "Human Personality," (written 1943), La Table Ronde (Dec. 1950).
  
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• 27.

  One cannot imagine St. Francis of Assisi talking about rights.

  Simone Weil (1909-1943), French philosopher, mystic. repr. In Selected Essays, ed. Richard Rees (1962). "Human Personality," La Table Ronde (written 1943, published December 1950).
  
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• 28.

  There is no detachment where there is no pain. And there is no pain endured without hatred or lying unless detachment is present too.

  Simone Weil (1909-1943), French philosopher, mystic. "Illusions," Gravity and Grace (1947, trans. 1952).
  
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• 29.

  We must prefer real hell to an imaginary paradise.

  Simone Weil (1909-1943), French philosopher, mystic. "Illusions," Gravity and Grace (1947, trans. 1952).
• 30.

  As soon as men know that they can kill without fear of punishment or blame, they kill; or at least they encourage killers with approving smiles.

  Simone Weil (1909-1943), French philosopher, mystic. Letter, c. 1938, to author Georges Bernanos. Selected Essays, ed. Richard Rees (1962).
  
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