"I am not a Catholic; but I consider the Christian idea, which has its roots in Greek thought and in the course of the centuries has nourished all of our European civilization, as something that one cannot renounce without becoming degraded"

In this quote, Simone Weil expresses her belief in the importance of the Christian concept, regardless of not being a Catholic herself. She acknowledges that this concept has its origins in Greek thought and has actually been an essential part of European civilization for centuries. To her, renouncing this idea would lead to a degradation of oneself. This suggests that Weil sees the Christian concept as an essential element of human presence and a source of ethical and cultural values. She also highlights the interconnectedness of different cultures and concepts, emphasizing the influence of Greek believed on Christianity and its effect on European civilization. In general, Weil's words communicate a deep gratitude for the Christian idea and its significance in forming our world.