Simone Weil quotes

Simone Weil was a French philosopher, mystic, and political activist known for her profound reflections on suffering, justice, and compassion. Her work bridged the gap between philosophy, theology, and social activism, deeply influencing 20th-century thought. She remains a unique figure whose writings continue to inspire seekers of truth and justice. Here are 303 of her quotes:

The destruction of the past is perhaps the greatest of all crimes.

Simone Weil

A mind enclosed in language is in prison.

Simone Weil

Love is not consolation, it is light.

Simone Weil

Every time that I think of the crucifixion of Christ, I commit the sin of envy.

Simone Weil

Distance is the soul of beauty.

Simone Weil

Humility is attentive patience.

Simone Weil

Evil, when we are in its power, is not felt as evil, but as a necessity, even a duty.

Simone Weil

Art is the symbol of the two noblest human efforts: to construct and to refrain from destruction.

Simone Weil

We can only know one thing about God - that he is what we are not. Our wretchedness alone is an image of this. The more we contemplate it, the more we contemplate him.

Simone Weil

To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul.

Simone Weil

Human beings are so made that the ones who do the crushing feel nothing; it is the person crushed who feels what is happening. Unless one has placed oneself on the side of the oppressed, to feel with them, one cannot understand.

Simone Weil

Imagination and fiction make up more than three quarters of our real life.

Simone Weil

I can, therefore I am.

Simone Weil

In struggling against anguish one never produces serenity; the struggle against anguish only produces new forms of anguish.

Simone Weil

The intelligent man who is proud of his intelligence is like the condemned man who is proud of his large cell.

Simone Weil

A science which does not bring us nearer to God is worthless.

Simone Weil

Liberty, taking the word in its concrete sense, consists in the ability to choose.

Simone Weil

Whenever one tries to suppress doubt, there is tyranny .

Simone Weil

The capacity to give one's attention to a sufferer is a very rare and difficult thing it is almost a miracle it is a miracle. Nearly all those who think they have this capacity do not possess it. Warmth of heart, impulsiveness, pity are not enough.

Simone Weil

If we love God while thinking that he does not exist, he will manifest his existence.

Simone Weil

God's love for us is not the reason for which we should love him. God's love for us is the reason for us to love ourselves.

Simone Weil

An imaginary perfection is automatically at the same level as I who imagine it - neither higher nor lower.

Simone Weil