How to Be Authentic: Simone de Beauvoir and the Quest for Fulfillment

ISBN: 1250271355

Author: Cleary, Skye C.

Condition: Used

An illuminating introduction to the philosophy of Simone de Beauvoir and its relevance to modern lifeIn an age of self-exposure, what does it mean to be authentic?Authenticity has become attenuated to the point of meaninglessness; everyone says to be yourself, but what that means is anyones guess. For existential philosopher Simone de Beauvoir, authenticity is not the revelation of a true self, but an exhilarating quest towards fulfillment. Her view, central to existentialism, is that we exist first and then spend the rest of our lives creating-not discovering-who we are. To be authentic is to live in pursuit of self-creation and self-renewal, with many different paths towards diverse goals.How to Be Authentic is a lively introduction to Simone de Beauvoir's philosophy of existentialism, as well as an exploration of the successes and failures that Beauvoir and other women have experienced in striving towards authenticity. Skye C. Cleary takes us through some of lifes major relationships and milestones: friendship; romantic love; marriage; children; and death, and examines how each offers an opportunity for us to stretch toward authenticity. While many people dont get to choose their path in life-whether because of systemic oppression or the actions of other individuals-Cleary makes a compelling case that Beauvoirs ideas can help us become more conscious of living purposefully, thoughtfully, and with vitality, and she shows us how to do so in responsible ways that invigorate every persons right to become poets of their own lives.