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Part of the book: The Work and Thought of Jean Grenier (1898-1971)

J. S. T. Garfitt

MHRA Texts and Dissertations 20

Modern Humanities Research Association

FrenchPhilosophyopen

Abstract.  The ideals of possibility, of freedom, of a consistent indifference, all militate against anything that could be called commitment. The Absolute itself, while in one sense demanding a total commitment, at the same time denies its adepts the right to any positive commitment in the world of material things and human society. It has been suggested, however, that there is a case to be made out for adopting a provisional set of values which allow for some significant, if limited human action, and that that set of values is not to be created ex nihilo (which would be to usurp the privileges of an Absolute Creator) or chosen arbitrarily (which would undermine even its provisional status), but found within a living, familiar tradition. The tradition is that of a Mediterranean humanism, in which man does not take the place of the Absolute, but lives, works and creates within a limited realm which Grenier calls 'la marge de l'humain'.

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