Simone de Beauvoir

By Miguel Santiago

Simone de Beauvoir, born on January 9, 1908, in Paris, France, was a prominent French writer, philosopher, and feminist thinker. She was pivotal in shaping existentialist philosophy and became an influential figure in feminist intellectual circles.

Beauvoir pursued her education at the prestigious Sorbonne and École Normale Supérieure, where she met Jean-Paul Sartre, with whom she formed a lifelong personal and intellectual partnership. Together, they challenged societal and philosophical norms, exploring ideas of individual freedom, existentialism, and the role of women in society.

In 1949, Beauvoir published her most renowned work, “The Second Sex.” This groundbreaking treatise examined women’s lived experiences throughout history and argued for their liberation from the constraints of patriarchal societal structures. The book became a seminal text in the feminist movement, addressing issues of gender inequality, social conditioning, and the concept of “otherness” in relation to women.

Throughout her prolific writing career, Beauvoir penned novels, essays, and autobiographical works that delved into topics ranging from ethics and sexuality to politics and ageing. Notably, her books like “The Mandarins” and “She Came to Stay” explored existentialism, freedom, and the complex intertwining of personal relationships and individual autonomy.

Beauvoir’s philosophy emphasised the importance of personal choice and authenticity, celebrating individual freedom…