Judith Butler emphasizes the concept of grievability as essential to the understanding of life itself. Without the capacity to grieve, what exists cannot truly be considered life; instead, it becomes a mere existence devoid of value. Life that is not recognizable or acknowledged is characterized as never having been genuinely lived, indicating that the acknowledgment of loss and the capacity to mourn are fundamental to our understanding of existence.

Butler argues that the ability to grieve fosters a deeper comprehension of what it means to live precariously. Grievability enables us to perceive a living being as genuinely alive, highlighting the inherent vulnerability that accompanies existence. From the outset, life is intertwined with the potential for loss, and recognizing this relationship is crucial for addressing the worth placed on lives that are often overlooked or unvalued.