Includes bibliographical references (pages 257-266) and index.
Contents:
Introduction -- Part I: Formative years -- Existential infrastructure -- Growing up -- Part II: Situations -- Friendship -- Romantic love -- Marriage -- Motherhood -- Aging -- Death -- Part III: Toward fulfillment -- Self-sabotage -- Happiness -- Rebellion.
Summary:
"In an age of self-exposure, what does it mean to be authentic? Everyone says to be yourself, but what that means is anyone's guess. For existential philosopher Simone de Beauvoir, authenticity is not the revelation of a true self, but an exhilarating quest towards fulfillment. Her view, central to existentialism, is that we exist first and then spend the rest of our lives creating-- not discovering-- who were are. To be authentic is to live in pursuit of self-creation and self-renewal, with many different paths toward diverse goals. How to Be Authentic is a lively introduction to Simone de Beauvoir's philosophy of existentialism, as well as an exploration of the successes and failures that Beauvoir and other women have experienced in striving toward authenticity. Skye Cleary takes us through some of life's major relationships and milestones-- friendship, romantic love, marriage, children, and death-- and examines how each offers an opportunity for us to stretch toward authenticity. While many people don't get to choose their path in life-- whether because of systematic oppression or the actions of other individuals-- Cleary makes a compelling case that Beauvoir's ideas can help us become more conscious of living purposefully, thoughtfully, and with vitality, and she shows us how to do so in responsible ways that invigorate every person's right to become poets of their own lives." -- Publisher's Description.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.