[lit-ideas] Re: Simone Weil (Was: Kataphatic, Negative and Apophatic Theo...

  • From: John McCreery <mccreery@xxxxxxx>
  • To: lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Sat, 7 Aug 2004 15:05:17 +0900

On 2004/08/07, at 3:47, Paul Stone wrote:

> Scientifically speaking there is an attractive "force" between two=20
> masses
> which is roughly equal to the equation of Newton's Gravitational=20
> constant
> (G) times (the two masses  m =3D mass one, M =3D mass two) over the =
square=20
> of
> the distance between their centres. Predictable eh?


Mightn't one assert, however, that a reader who construes Weil's=20
"gravity" and "grace" by turning to Newton for the proper sense to=20
apply to "gravity" is guilty of a willful misreading?

Turning to the Oxford English Dictionary, one finds that the English=20
"gravity" was derived from the Latin (gravis, gravitatem, gravitas) via=20=

the French (gravit=E9) and, "the word was first introduced in figurative=20=

senses corresponding generally to the English senses of the adjective.=20=

The primary physical sense of the Latin word came into Eng. first in=20
the 17th century."

Which comment is immediately followed by,

"I. The quality of being Grave.
    1. Weight, influence, authority...."

Thus it is that we speak of a man or words of gravity, implying no=20
physical movement toward the center of the Earth or attraction between=20=

physical masses but rather authority or, minimally, someone or=20
something that has to be taken seriously, some thing that weighs on the=20=

mind if you will.

Assuming that this first meaning of "gravity" is the one that Weil had=20=

in mind, her contrast of Gravity and Grace simply adds a dash of=20
alliteration to a felt difference between heavy and uplifting emotions.=20=

So what's the big mystery?

Feeling pugnacious (in a light-hearted sort of way),


John L. McCreery
The Word Works, Ltd.
55-13-202 Miyagaya, Nishi-ku
Yokohama, Japan 220-0006

Tel 81-45-314-9324
Email mccreery@xxxxxxx

"Making Symbols is Our Business"

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