The Essential Connection Between Human Value and Saintly Behavior

Abstract

In this paper I will explore the idea that saintly goodness is essential to an understanding of the value, specifically the preciousness, to use Raimond Gaita’s term, of all human beings. Key parts of this idea can be traced to Simone Weil. Gaita has recently revived her thought. Yet the idea of a vital connection between saintly goodness and universal human value remains philosophically marginal and misunderstood.