Bernard-Henri Levy

Bernard-Henri Lévy, known universally as BHL, is a renowned philosopher, writer, filmmaker, and activist. He emerged as a leader of the “New Philosophers” movement, advocating against authoritarianism and totalitarian ideologies. Educated at École Normale Supérieure, he began as a philosophy teacher but shifted to activism in the early 1970s, notably joining efforts to support Bangladesh's independence. This experience marked the start of his lifelong involvement in global conflict zones, from Darfur to Ukraine, Kurdistan, and Nigeria, combining on-the-ground reporting with intellectual inquiry.

Lévy’s philosophical work critiques authoritarian regimes and explores the roots of totalitarianism. His books “Barbarism with a Human Face” (1977) and “The Testament of God” (1979) earned praise from intellectuals like Emmanuel Levinas and Roland Barthes. His controversial “L’Idéologie française” (1981) examined the philosophical origins of fascism in France, sparking enduring debates. Throughout his career, he has championed the idea of a “duty to intervene” in humanitarian crises, warning against regimes motivated by a dangerous “will to purity,” as detailed in his 1994 work, “La Pureté dangereuse.”

Beyond philosophy, Lévy has achieved success as a novelist, playwright, and filmmaker. His novels, including “Le Diable en tête” (1984) and “Les derniers jours de Charles Baudelaire” (1988), received prestigious literary awards. As a filmmaker, he documented conflicts through works like “Bosna!” (1994) and “The Oath of Tobruk” (2012). His 2020 documentary, “The Will to See,” captures humanitarian crises across conflict-ridden regions like Nigeria, Libya, and Afghanistan, providing a stark portrayal of suffering often ignored by the global media.

In addition to his creative works, Lévy remains an influential voice through journalism and publishing. He contributes to international periodicals, chairs the advisory board of the media network Arte, and leads the Figures collection at Grasset publishing. Salman Rushdie describes BHL as a “committed intellectual” who combines deep research with timely intervention in critical debates. Lévy's enduring commitment to justice, philosophy, and activism has solidified his legacy as one of the most impactful intellectuals of his time.