The Ethics of Ambiguity

by Simone de Beauvoir

Ordinarily, situations are so complex that a long analysis is necessary before being able to pose the ethical moment of the choice.

Attempts which are aware that one by one they are doomed to failure can be legitimized by the whole of the situation which they create. This is also the meaning of Steinbeck’s novel In Dubious Battle where a communist leader does not hesitate to launch a costly strike of uncertain success but through which there will be born, along with the solidarity of the workers, the consciousness of exploitation and the will to reject it.

Whatever one may do, one never realizes anything but a limited work, like existence itself which tries to establish itself through that work and which death also limits.