George A. Panichas (1930–2010)

I did not finish this book but am marking it read and to re-read. This is the kind of book to read in short bursts, as it contains such depth of thought. I found myself putting it down, time and time again, trying to figure out Weil's point in any given essay. It's almost a meditative kind of read.

My favorite essay in this collection was Reflections on the Right Use of School Studies . Weil has such wonderful insights into the human mind and how it works. Somehow she was able to articulate show more these thoughts in new, refreshing ways.

At times though, when reading her writings, I wondered about her mental health. She made certain statements that were a bit extreme, such as envying the crucifixion - wishing she could suffer as much.. (?) I will need to look a little further into this..

Still, Simone Weil has made a lasting impression on me as a unique thinker, a humble visionary. I will definitely be picking this book up and re-reading it. show less

An excellent collection of Weil's work with broad coverage of her life's work. Included are sections focusing on spirituality, politics, language & thought, and the nature of wisdom and meditation. The notes, bibliography, and index add to the value of this fine volume.

2552 Promise of Greatness: The War of 1914-1918, Edited by George A. Panichas (read 16 Nov 1993) This book consists of 48 separate essays written in 1967-1968 especially for this book, most of them by persons who lived through World War One. Most of the essays are great. Many are by people I've read books by: Robert Graves, Edmund Blunden, Gerald Brenan, Basil Liddell Hart, Charles Carrington, Sir Charles Petrie, Vera Brittain, Trevor Wilson, and Corelli Barrett. This was excellent reading show more on a subject full of fascination. show less

This book covers Crime & Punishment, The Idiot, The Devils, A Raw Youth, and The Brothers Karamazov, focusing on the spiritual aspects of Dostoevsky's thought and art. Religious themes and the aspect of moral thought are analyzed with care and thoughtfulness.