The Ethics of Ambiguity by Simone de Beauvoir (August 2017)
I was spotted reading this book several times during the summer. Sometimes, I was asked by passerby what the book was about. I had a difficult time pinpointing the exact idea in these cases and often resorted to the easy joke of the book’s true meaning being ‘ambiguous’. (1)
Like any good joke, there was a kernel of truth. The book covers varied ground without ever being obvious what it was about. I suppose suggesting the book is about ‘existence’ wouldn’t be far off the mark. But what topics fall outside the umbrella covered by ‘existence’?
One up: I liked many of the observations, definitions, and rules of thumb established here. In general, I found much of her writing affirmed the freedom of the individual. Throughout, she championed each person’s capacity to live an empowered and meaningful life on personal terms rather than resorting to external markers, measurements, or comparisons.
Her opposition to ideologies reflects her belief in natural freedom. There are no freely made choices within an ideology because each decision is defined by what is good for the ideology.
A similar result occurs when people are objectified by their usefulness. To measure usefulness requires an external complement. Those obsessed with the idea of usefulness might harm others if they elevate the complement measure to idol status.
Those able to reject superficial seriousness are best positioned to find deeper meaning. They avoid seeking urgent victories because it may force opposition to otherwise valid movements. They recognize how violence demands objectification of both ally and foe and do all possible to avoid it. If a crime occurs, these people worry about the crime itself instead of its arbitrary aspects.
One down: There must be more to the usage history of ‘insofar’ than I understand. It appears often in certain types of books (written mid-20th century, about a Big Topic, filled with long sentences winding through enormous paragraphs) but I’m always more annoyed than impressed with 'insofar' dropping by on an otherwise pleasant day of reading.
I’m reminded here of this book’s own comment about punishments. For most people, being forced into doing what makes no sense to them is the most obnoxious form of punishment because the mental anguish of wasted effort exceeds any physical fatigue. Pointless is a good word to describe my feelings toward reading long sentences linked by the word insofar. Whenever I see 'insofar' approaching in a sentence, I suddenly find the task of finishing the sentence much more daunting. In extreme cases, it does feel a little like I'm being punished. (2)
Just saying: God and religion come up often in this work. One early comment attacks those who use their non-belief in a higher power to excuse their duties to their fellow people. Surely, if there is no higher authority to appeal to, people must take even greater responsibility for living a moral and meaningful life?
I also liked the idea of a truly free person being one concerned with the freedom of others. As God respected humans enough to ensure we were all born free, the person who respects the freedom of others lives consistent with how God viewed humanity. People able to define existence for themselves without allowing the same for others are preparing themselves for totalitarianism.
Ultimately, the challenge of finding meaning falls to each individual who chooses not to reject existence. Whether life is governed by a higher power or not, the task for each person is to find a concept of meaning and lead a life dedicated to bringing about this end. Like in art and science, meaning is established by failure. But rather than allowing each setback to confirm the impossibility of the task, these moments of difficulty should instead square the shoulders to the target and create better clarity for the next effort.
Footnotes / imagined complaints
1. I’m reminded of the time on the subway when a guy commented on Messy…
One night, a man walked by me while I was reading. He stopped, looked at the cover, and expressed surprise regarding Simone de Beauvoir having written a book. He did this in the most verbose way imaginable. It was around two minutes into his sentence-long speech before I realized he was referring to Simon Bolivar...
2. Editor's note:
GET OFF MY LAWN!!!
