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

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

Simone Weil, a French philosopher, mystic, and political activist, believed in the importance of humility and submission to a higher power. In her writings, she often emphasized the idea that the role of intelligence, which includes the ability to affirm, deny, and formulate opinions, is ultimately to submit to something greater than ourselves. This concept is central to Weil's philosophy and has profound implications for how we understand our place in the world.

Weil believed that the human intellect, while a powerful tool for understanding the world around us, is limited in its ability to grasp the ultimate truths of existence. She argued that our intelligence is often clouded by our own biases, desires, and preconceived notions, making it difficult for us to see things as they truly are. In order to overcome these limitations, Weil believed that we must learn to submit our intellect to a higher authority, whether that be God, the universe, or some other transcendent reality.

For Weil, submission was not a sign of weakness, but rather a recognition of our own limitations and a willingness to surrender our ego in order to connect with something greater than ourselves. By submitting our intellect, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and insights that we may not have been able to see on our own. This act of submission is a form of humility, a virtue that Weil believed was essential for living a meaningful and fulfilling life.