Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Philosophy and Style

We're going to combine two things here that are seldom seen together -- philosophy and fashion.  Don't be afraid -- the first section is short.

You may have heard the name Sartre.  Jean-Paul Sartre was a French philosopher active in the middle part of the last century.  He was Simone de Beauvoir's lifelong-boyfriend.

Sartre wrote this: "Man is nothing else but what he purposes, he exists only in so far as he realizes himself, he is therefore nothing else but the sum of his actions, nothing else but what his life is."

As you ponder that, consider this -- Sartre's primary belief (and most popular expression) was that humans are "condemned to be free."

Okay, enough intellectual stuff.  Here come the clothes...



17 comments:

  1. Action vs. Rection. Living intentionally and with purpose because you CHOOSE to do so, reflecting yourself to the world with the person you've become due to the choices you've made. I like that notion.
    And black pedal pushers and pumps are aaaalways a good decision.

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  2. I like the intellectual stuff, gives life some depth. And, I like your stripes!

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  3. Great post! Gorgeous outfit! LOVE LOVE that top! I also must compliment your Great legs!

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  4. Fashion and Philosophy - why not? Oh I wish I am always free. Free to do what I want, to wear what I want!

    =)

    I'm a big fan of your stripes! Miss you my friend!

    oxo

    ML
    Twenty York Street
    www.twentyyork.com

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  5. Cogito ergo sum. The Limits of my Language are the Limits of my Mind. As humans, we are only limited by what we can think. We are what we put into the world.

    And on a less serious note - you look great! I love the capris with the pumps. I know they come and go in terms of trends, but I think a slim leg line with a bit of ankle is always fabulous. And your striped top is a gorgeous color. I like it with your darker hair. ;)

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  6. Ally, you remind me of college and my misplaced belief that I understood existentialism enough to b.s. my philosophy prof. Which I totally did. In truth, I didn't even understand my *own* end of term A+ paper...lol.

    You are popping with great lines and color. I love your subtle silver accessories with your bright blouse.

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  7. I needed this quote today, something to ponder on as I am wondering which path to pursue in my career. It only makes me realize doesnt matter what path you take as long as an *action* towards the goal is taken! Thanks for sharing this.

    You look lovely in bright stripes! :)

    http://navlandstyle.blogspot.ca/

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  8. you look fab..and this combo rockkks....why i never though of this...

    yes, i agree with mr. sarte....humans are condemned to be free and think!!

    http://sushmita-smile.blogspot.in/

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  9. love your stripes :) philosophy has always sort of confused me. i've taken a couple corses and i've just been sort of unsure about them. but combining the ideas with fashion is interesting :)

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  10. I love the stripes and leggings combo! I was always more persuaded by Camus in philosophical terms...and de Beauvoir who, unfortunately, was always overshadowed by Sartre and, consequently, labeled as only a feminist thinker (which is obviously is but she also made some profound contributions to the Existentialist movement.

    Courtney ~ http://sartorialsidelines.com

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  11. it looks like my fave quote of Sartre! thanks for sharing, I lost the exact words!
    I love your top, you look like a very elegant lady

    Lyosha
    Inside and Outside Blog

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  12. Ally, you certainly know how to make me think! But that's a good thing.

    On to your top - I love the colors! It looks beautiful on you. I am so drawn to bright happy colors like that right now!

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  13. very true words, indeed! i love your top...the color is amazing and the blocking with the stripes is so unique!

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  14. "Condemned to be free." That's deep. We have the freedom to do what we will, but that means any mistakes or problems that arise are our own fault. It's good and bad.

    I like the idea of being responsible for my own life. It's like they say, "With great power comes great responsibility." No wait--that's Spider-man...oh, well. :)

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  15. "You may have heard the name Sartre. Jean-Paul Sartre was a French philosopher active in the middle part of the last century. He was Simone de Beauvoir's lifelong-boyfriend." I love how you phrased this, sadly they're often perceived the other way around!

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  16. Love the smart talk as well as this very cute striped shirt.

    xo,

    Tracy

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  17. Love this outfit! I read a lot about Simone De Beauvoir when I wrote a paper on the French Resistance. She was a fascinating individual.

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