Books The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus (Author)

"The Myth of Sisyphus" by Albert Camus is a philosophical essay that explores the theme of absurdity in human life. Camus uses the Greek myth of Sisyphus—condemned to roll a boulder up a mountain forever only for it to roll back down—as a metaphor for the futile and repetitive nature of human existence.

Main Ideas

The Absurd: The conflict between humans’ desire to find inherent meaning in life and the universe’s silent indifference, which offers no such meaning.

Sisyphus as Absurd Hero: Sisyphus is portrayed as the ultimate absurd hero because, while aware of the futility of his task, he embraces it fully without hope or despair.

Consciousness and Acceptance: The critical moment is when Sisyphus walks back down the mountain, aware that he must begin again. This awareness, Camus argues, frees him and lifts him above his fate.

Happiness in the Absurd: Camus concludes that Sisyphus, by accepting the absurd condition without appeal to false hope, can be imagined as happy. His struggle itself gives life meaning.

Rejection of Suicide: The essay argues against suicide, which Camus sees as a refusal to live in the face of absurdity, advocating instead for acceptance and revolt through living passionately.