A doctrine serves no purpose in itself, but it is indispensable to have one if only to avoid being deceived by false doctrines.
Simone Weil

A hurtful act is the transference to others of the degradation which we bear in ourselves.
Simone Weil

A mind enclosed in language is in prison.
Simone Weil

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

A self-respecting nation is ready for anything, including war, except for a renunciation of its option to make war.
Simone Weil

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

All sins are attempts to fill voids.
Simone Weil

An atheist may be simply one whose faith and love are concentrated on the impersonal aspects of God.
Simone Weil

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

Attachment is the great fabricator of illusions; reality can be attained only by someone who is detached.
Simone Weil


Beauty always promises, but never gives anything.
Simone Weil

Charity. To love human beings in so far as they are nothing. That is to love them as God does.
Simone Weil

Culture is an instrument wielded by teachers to manufacture teachers, who, in their turn, will manufacture still more teachers.
Simone Weil

Difficult as it is really to listen to someone in affliction, it is just as difficult for him to know that compassion is listening to him.
Simone Weil

Equality is the public recognition, effectively expressed in institutions and manners, of the principle that an equal degree of attention is due to the needs of all human beings.
Simone Weil

Every perfect life is a parable invented by God.
Simone Weil

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

Evil being the root of mystery, pain is the root of knowledge.
Simone Weil

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

For when two beings who are not friends are near each other there is no meeting, and when friends are far apart there is no separation.
Simone Weil