Simone de Beauvoir
Philosopher, Writer · French
1908 – 1986
French existentialist philosopher, writer, and feminist theorist. Her book 'The Second Sex' is a foundational text of contemporary feminism. She lived an unconventional life, challenging bourgeois values while producing influential philosophy and literature.
Core Values
What Simone prioritized and lived by, ranked by importance.
Radical personal and political liberty
Unflinching examination of existence and society
Fighting against all forms of oppression
Living according to one's own values, not convention
Philosophy must be lived, not just theorized
How They Spent Their Time
A typical distribution of how Simone allocated their energy and attention.
Philosophy, novels, memoirs, essays
Cafes, salons, correspondence with Sartre and others
Philosophy professor at various institutions
Feminism, anti-colonialism, civil rights
Open relationship with Sartre, multiple lovers
Guiding Principles
"One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman."
"I am incapable of conceiving infinity, and yet I do not accept finity."
"Change your life today. Don't gamble on the future, act now, without delay."
"One's life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others."
What They Sacrificed
- Rejected marriage and traditional family life
- Faced social ostracism for her unconventional relationship with Sartre
- Banned from teaching in France for 'corrupting' a student
- Endured attacks and death threats for her feminist writings
Their Legacy
- The Second Sex - foundational feminist text translated into 40+ languages
- Redefined how we understand gender as social construction
- Pioneered existentialist ethics focused on freedom and responsibility
- Model for intellectual women seeking authentic lives
Learn More
Would you consider Simone's life a "good life"?
What would you embrace? What would you do differently?