French philosopher Simone Weil paid close attention to the world around her, even from a young age: At five years old, during World War I, she refused sugar because French soldiers at the front didn’t have access to it. She went on to study and teach philosophy, and became a prolific social activist: In addition to attending numerous protests and writing for leftist publications, she became a member of the French Resistance during World War II. Her words remind us that when we give our attention to something or someone, we are giving one of the most precious parts of ourselves.