Simone de Beauvoir

Date of Birth: January 9, 1908

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: April 14, 1986

Biography

Simone de Beauvoir was a French writer, intellectual, existentialist philosopher, political activist, feminist, and social theorist. Born on January 9, 1908, in Paris, France, she is best known for her influential work “The Second Sex,” which is considered one of the foundational texts of contemporary feminism. Beauvoir studied at the Sorbonne, where she became close friends with Jean-Paul Sartre, with whom she maintained a lifelong open relationship. Her literary career began in the 1940s with the publication of her novel “She Came to Stay,” which explores themes of existentialism and freedom. Her memoirs, particularly “Memoirs of a Dutiful Daughter,” provide an in-depth look at her life and the social conditions of her time. Beauvoir’s works have had a profound impact on feminist theory and existential philosophy, and she remains a pivotal figure in both fields. Throughout her life, Beauvoir was committed to social causes, including women’s rights and the liberation of Algeria from French rule. She continued to write and advocate for various social issues until her death on April 14, 1986.

5 Interesting Facts about Simone de Beauvoir

1. Simone de Beauvoir was the second woman to graduate from the Sorbonne with a degree in philosophy.

2. Her book “The Second Sex” was banned by the Vatican.

3. She was a lifelong partner of Jean-Paul Sartre, but they never married and maintained an open relationship.

4. Beauvoir was an atheist and often wrote about the role of religion in the oppression of women.

5. She was awarded the Prix Goncourt in 1954 for her novel “The Mandarins.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Simone de Beauvoir

1. “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.”

2. “Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future, act now, without delay.”

3. “All oppression creates a state of war.”

4. “Society cares for the individual only so far as he is profitable.”

5. “The most mediocre of males feels himself a demigod as compared with women.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Simone de Beauvoir’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $2 million at the time of her death, primarily from her literary works and intellectual contributions.

Children

Simone de Beauvoir did not have any biological children. However, she was a mentor and maternal figure to several young women and men throughout her life, including adopting Sylvie Le Bon de Beauvoir as her literary executor.