ABSURDISM

Albert Camus "The Myth of Sisyphus" explores the reason for one’s life, not by attempting to explain it metaphysically but by examining the human condition and the structural absurdity of existence. Camus defines the absurd as “the conflict between the human tendency to seek inherent value and meaning in life, and the human inability to find any in a purposeless, meaningless, and irrational universe.”

In "The Myth of Sisyphus," Camus grapples with the quest for meaning in a world stripped of religious beliefs. He does not believe in God, yet he does not label himself an atheist. Instead, he views existence as fundamentally absurd. The concept of God's existence is unreasonable by human standards, and yet the notion of a universe without creation is equally impossible. This paradox emphasizes the absurdity at the core of our existence.

All this confusion towards existance in Camus philosophy connects with the idea of physical suicide. He argues that committing suicide is a confession that life is incomprehensible or not worth living. Camus links this act to the lack of meaning, stating, "Suicide, like the leap, is acceptance at its extreme: everything is over and man returns to the essential, to the absurd and to the meaning he alone is able to give his life.” Despite this, Camus believes that our instinct for life is stronger than our reasons for suicide. This explains why many people who see no meaning in life do not end their lives.

Camus also discusses philosophical suicide, which involves escaping the absurd by fully embracing an existing philosophy, such as religion. People often accept convenient and meaningful beliefs as true, even if they are not entirely convincing. Escaping by turning away from the absurd rather than confronting it, dying in a mental questioning manner.

Additionally, anyone who has reflected on human existence has likely questioned the absurdity of daily life. Camus vividly describes this routine, adding to his reasoning on the absurdity of human life: "Rising, streetcar, four hours in the office or factory, meal, streetcar, four hours of work, meal, sleep, and Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday and Saturday according to the same rhythm—this path is easily followed most of the time. But one day the 'why' arises and everything begins in that weariness tinged with amazement.” “Weariness comes at the end of the acts of a mechanical life, but at the same time it inaugurates the impulse of consciousness. It awakens consciousness and provokes what follows. What follows is the gradual return to the chain or it is the definitive awakening. At the end of the awakening comes, in time, the consequence: suicide or recovery." This passage highlights the moment of awakening, where one either succumbs to the absurdity or finds a way to live with it, however by saying recovery he means creating our own meaning amidst the chaos. Camus challenges us to confront the absurd, reject both physical and philosophical suicide, and find personal meaning in our existence.