"Attentive Distance" in Love, in Light of Simone Weil's Thought

Abstract

This article is a reflection on lived out love, as it might be experienced by lovers, in light of French philosopher Simone Weil’s writings on love. In entering a dialogue with Weil on the subject of love, the interconnectedness of love, beauty and reality stands out as central. While the richness of Weil’s understanding of love is not exhausted here, this article shows that what I call “attentive distance” is essential to lived out love understood as living, in a concrete, rather than idealist or illusionary way. Only then love is real, although, no less frail.