Meaning: This quote by Jacques Ellul, a French philosopher and theologian, reflects on the necessity for intellectuals, particularly women, to reevaluate their understanding of the world and the starting point for their work. Ellul emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal introspection as the foundation for engaging with the broader societal and global issues. This quote encapsulates the idea that individuals, especially intellectuals, must first understand themselves and their own experiences before attempting to comprehend and address the complexities of the world around them.

In this quote, Ellul challenges intellectuals, particularly women, to prioritize self-knowledge and self-reflection as essential components of their intellectual pursuits. By emphasizing the need to begin at the level of the woman, whom the intellectual knows best, Ellul underscores the significance of personal experience and identity in shaping one's understanding of the world. This call to introspection suggests that an individual's unique perspective, shaped by their gender, experiences, and personal identity, is fundamental to their intellectual engagement with the world.

Furthermore, Ellul's assertion that the intellectual must go back to the starting point aligns with the idea that genuine understanding and effective action in addressing global issues require a deep understanding of the self. By recognizing the interconnectedness of personal experiences and the broader world situation, Ellul highlights the significance of individual agency in shaping intellectual endeavors and societal change. This perspective challenges intellectuals to acknowledge and interrogate their own biases, assumptions, and privileges as they seek to comprehend and address complex global challenges.

Moreover, the quote underscores the importance of a holistic and inclusive approach to intellectual inquiry. By urging intellectuals to begin with themselves, Ellul advocates for a more personal and empathetic understanding of the world, one that acknowledges the diverse perspectives and experiences of individuals, particularly women. This emphasis on starting from a personal vantage point aligns with the broader movement toward incorporating diverse voices and perspectives into intellectual discourse and societal analysis.

In the context of gender equality and feminist thought, this quote carries particular significance. Ellul's emphasis on the woman whom the intellectual knows reflects a recognition of the unique challenges, perspectives, and contributions of women in intellectual pursuits. By centering the starting point of intellectual work on the woman herself, Ellul implicitly acknowledges the importance of amplifying women's voices and experiences in shaping intellectual discourse and understanding of the world. This resonates with the broader feminist movement's call for recognizing and valuing the knowledge and perspectives of women in all areas of intellectual and societal engagement.

In conclusion, Jacques Ellul's quote encapsulates the idea that genuine intellectual engagement with the world necessitates a deep understanding of the self and personal experiences. By advocating for a starting point that prioritizes self-awareness and personal introspection, Ellul challenges intellectuals, particularly women, to reevaluate their approach to understanding and addressing global issues. This quote serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of personal experiences and the broader world situation, emphasizing the significance of individual agency, diverse perspectives, and inclusive intellectual inquiry.