Living Authentically

Living Authentically: Simone de Beauvoir’s Antidote to Alienation

We all struggle with the weight of society’s expectations about who we should be and what we should strive for.

Sometimes we are so overcome by the external pressures of others’ beliefs and demands that our lives feel like they are no longer our own. And sometimes we get so good at internalizing the social norms that were handed down to us that our chains become self-imposed.

In both situations, we can lose sight of our own genuine aspirations, our individuality, and our freedom to choose. We might even feel like we’ve lost touch with our own humanity.

French existentialist and feminist philosopher Simone de Beauvoir spent her life devoted to these problems of alienation, especially the way they play out for women in society. Her solution? Living authentically! But what does that mean?

In her new book How to Be Authentic: Simone de Beauvoir and the Quest for Fulfillment, Skye Cleary offers an accessible and engaging introduction to Beauvoir’s rich philosophy of authenticity and teaches us what it means to pursue a life that is truly one’s own. She shows us what it looks like to navigate the tensions we all experience between the weight of tradition and our own freedom, as well as the demands of others and our own aspirations. And she teaches us Beauvoir’s approach to maximizing freedom in life and rebelling against oppression, so that we may pursue not only personal fulfillment but a freer world and shared sense of humanity.

As we read and discuss Cleary’s book together, we will study key existential concepts concerning the human condition, and better understand how women have been systematically demoted in society to the role that Beauvoir calls “the Other.” We will relate the tensions that Cleary describes (in experiences of friendship, love, marriage, parenthood, and aging) to our own lives. And we will consider the ways that we can be better friends to ourselves and others in the quest for freedom and authenticity.

About Philosophy Workshops 

• Philosophy Workshops emphasize discussion, life experience, and practical application. They are led by philosophy professors committed to accessible language and open conversation. No prior philosophical training is necessary . . . just an open mind, a respectful approach to others, and a sense of humor!
  

• There are two portions of this discussion-based workshop: 1) the Theory, and 2) the Lab.
  
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  In the Theory portion of the workshop (the first half of each session) we’ll work to understand key concepts from our reading for the day and from supplementary mini-lectures given by the workshop leader. In the Lab portion of the workshop (the second half) we will reflect on the ways in which the theory applies to our own personal and political struggles. We will devise “experiments” for putting key concepts into practice in our lives, and we will discuss with each other how our experiments work out.
  

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  This workshop is for anyone struggling for more freedom and authenticity in their lives, as well as those looking to be allies to their kids, partners, parents, friends, colleagues, clients, students, or counselees who are struggling for the same. The workshop is also relevant for those interested in existential philosophy (a philosophy that sees human beings as ultimately self-determining beings who are the creators of their own lives), and to those interested in feminist wisdom regarding the unique struggles women face in society.
  

The Book to Purchase: How to Be Authentic: Simone de Beauvoir and the Quest for Fulfillment, by Skye Cleary. (Order your book early to allow for delivery time!)

Calendar

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  Week One: How to Be Authentic: Introduction, Existential Infrastructure, Growing Up (about 70 pages).
  
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  Week Two: How to Be Authentic: Friendship, Romantic Love, Marriage (about 70 pages).
  
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  Week Three: How to Be Authentic: Motherhood, Aging, Death (about 60 pages).
  
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  Week Four: How to Be Authentic: Self-Sabotage, Happiness, Rebellion (about 70 pages).
  

Preparation: For each session, there will be an assigned selection of text to read and a handful of questions the workshop leader will send by email a week in advance. Please read the selection and consider the questions in advance of our discussion.