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One afternoon Clairaut came over to me with a book in his…

“One afternoon Clairaut came over to me with a book in his hand: “Mademoiselle de Beauvoir,” he began, in an inquisitorial tone, “what do you make of Brochard who is of the opinion that Aristotle’s God would be able to experience sexual pleasure?” Herbaud cast him a disdainful look: “I should hope…” quote by Simone de Beauvoir
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““One afternoon Clairaut came over to me with a book in his hand: “Mademoiselle de Beauvoir,” he began, in an inquisitorial tone, “what do you make of Brochard who is of the opinion that Aristotle’s God would be able to experience sexual pleasure?” Herbaud cast him a disdainful look: “I should hope so, for his sake,” he haughtily replied.””

Simone de Beauvoir

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A philosophical discussion about whether a divine being could experience human sexuality, highlighting tension between rational theology and bodily desire.

In simple terms: Questioning if a god could feel sexual pleasure.

Key Takeaway

Consider how doctrine limits human experience.

Themes

philosophy theology sexuality

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

analytical conversational

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • theological discourse
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

Aristotelianism existentialism gender

Questions to Reflect On

  • Does limiting divine experience diminish humanity?
  • How do we reconcile intellect with desire?
A Different Perspective

Some argue divine nature is beyond human sensations.

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