Simone de Beauvoir

1908-1986

Philosopher who inspired women's liberation

Published: September 16, 2025

What if someone told you who you had to be just because you were born a girl? Simone de Beauvoir was a French writer and thinker from the 20th century (1908–1986).

Her most famous book, The Second Sex (1949), said many rules about girls and boys are made by people, not by nature. She used clear writing to show that girls can learn, work, and choose their own lives.

Her words helped start new ideas about women's rights. She wrote novels, essays, and diaries that inspired protests, changes to laws, and millions of people to think differently.

Today many girls can dream of being scientists, pilots, or leaders because people listened to her ideas. Simone's lasting message: being a girl doesn't decide your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What philosophical movement was she part of?

She is linked to existentialism, emphasizing human freedom, choice, and responsibility. She used these ideas to explore how society shapes lives, especially for women.

Who was Jean‑Paul Sartre to her?

Sartre was her lifelong intellectual and romantic partner. They shared ideas, collaborated, and influenced each other while keeping an unconventional, open relationship.

Did she call herself a feminist?

She is widely regarded as a founder of modern feminist thought. While she sometimes critiqued certain feminist trends, her work provided core ideas for later feminist movements.

What other books did she write?

She wrote novels, essays, and memoirs. Notable works include The Ethics of Ambiguity, She Came to Stay, All Men Are Mortal, and her multi‑volume autobiographical memoirs.

How should I start reading her work?

Begin with a short essay or a novel to get her voice, or read key chapters of The Second Sex with a modern introduction or guide that explains historical context and terms.

Were there criticisms of her ideas?

Yes. Critics praise her influence but note limits: some argue she paid too little attention to race, class, or non‑Western experiences, and parts of her analysis reflect mid‑20th century assumptions.

Is Simone de Beauvoir still studied today?

Yes. Her work remains central in philosophy, literary studies, and gender studies, and it continues to influence discussions about freedom, identity, and gender.