Reading Camus for me is like an elderly person with dementia paying a visit to an art museum.

As I am in the museum, I am continuously amazed by the beauty that I discover and I strive hard to engrave the works in my memory.

Nevertheless, once I leave, the words and their subsequent significance also gradually fade away.

This is precisely the reason why I constantly feel the necessity to revisit his works.

This visit, just like all the previous ones, was truly delightful and refreshing.

It allows me to once again immerse myself in the profound thoughts and unique perspectives that Camus presents.

Each time I read his works, I gain new insights and a deeper understanding of life and human nature.

Camus' writing has a certain charm that keeps pulling me back, making me eager to explore and discover more.

Even though the process of remembering and understanding may be challenging, it is also a rewarding experience that enriches my spiritual world.

I look forward to many more visits to Camus' literary museum in the future.

2020 - 2021

“If the universe is meaningless, so is the statement that it is so… The meaning and purpose of dancing is the dance” - Alan Watts.

Based on the Greek myth of Sisyphus, who was punished by the gods to repeatedly push a heavy rock up a mountain only to watch it roll back down, Albert Camus analyzed the absurdity and meaninglessness of life. According to Camus, absurdity does not lie in the nature of life or in humans themselves. It arises from the opposition between humans' desire to find meaning and purpose in their existence and a life that seems meaningless,模糊, and uncertain. The only certainty in each person's life may be death. Tomorrow, people often place all their hopes and purposes for their efforts in tomorrow, but what tomorrow surely brings to people is only to bring them closer to death. Religion assigns a meaning to life through模糊, unprovable concepts such as heaven, hell, the afterlife, the other world... while science only stops at explaining and describing phenomena and has not been able to answer questions about the nature and meaning of existence. Standing in front of people's desire is only a seemingly meaningless and incomprehensible life. Just like Sisyphus' fate of pushing the rock, our lives seem to be a dull repetition of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday... 8 hours of work, rest, eat, sleep... That is what Camus calls the feeling of absurdity (He belongs to time, and by the horror that seizes him, he recognizes his worst enemy. Tomorrow, he was longing for tomorrow, whereas everything in him ought to reject it. That revolt of the flesh is the absurd).

From this absurdity, Camus raised the question about the relationship between absurdity and the act of suicide. Is suicide a logical answer to an absurd and meaningless life? Does concluding that life is meaningless mean concluding that it is not worth living? These questions and their answers, according to Albert Camus, are the most important issues in philosophy, above all metaphysical issues such as how many dimensions the world has or how many aspects human thinking has. Therefore, what is interesting and concerns Camus in the original story of Sisyphus is not the details of his life and the reason why he was punished by the gods. What interests him is the moment right after Sisyphus pushes the rock to the top of the mountain, stands and watches it slowly roll back down, and quietly goes down to repeat the useless action that he knows will never end. Camus believes that it is precisely at that moment, precisely at the minute when Sisyphus is fully aware of the meaninglessness of his actions, that it is a tragedy. There would be no tragedy if Sisyphus did all his actions unconsciously. There would be no tragedy if Sisyphus did not realize that the rock he is struggling to push up the mountain will slowly roll down, and that he will have to repeat this meaningless action infinitely. Just like the life of King Oedipus, the tragedy will not come if he is always unconscious of his identity, of the fact that he has lived according to the oracle: kill his father and sleep with his mother. The tragedy only really comes when he realizes who he really is, realizes all his actions and his life. Oedipus is the victim of his own iron will to find the answer to the question "Who am I?" (Jocasta : Oh, you unhappy man! May you never find out who you really are!).

To solve the absurdity, Camus and existential philosophers believe that there are three solutions: suicide, turning to religion, or being fully aware of the absurdity but still constantly rebelling by continuing to live. Camus rejects the rationality of the solution of suicide because he believes that it is an action that eliminates absurdity by surrendering and accepting it. The contradiction and opposition between human desire and the meaninglessness of life, from which the feeling of absurdity arises, must be realized and maintained. It cannot exist if humans commit suicide. Camus also opposes the solution of turning to an Almighty God or the other world through religion or finding a metaphysical philosophical entity, a great meaning超越 all concepts. Camus believes that this solution assigns a meaning to life, denies absurdity by believing in an entity or a模糊 concept超越 it. He calls this philosophical suicide. The contradiction between life and humans that gives rise to absurdity cannot be denied. Instead, it must be realized and maintained by humans, but at the same time, they must constantly rebel against it. Deprived of all beliefs and模糊 hopes for a better life in the other world, heaven, or even the future, the absurd man is completely free. What he can surely understand in this life is each moment of the present minute and his own death. The answer to the question of whether there is a need for any meaning for existence now has become clear. Humans can enjoy life much better if it does not have a default meaning. Deprived of all Almighty Gods, of all default theories about life, humans are free to create for their lives an idea, a purpose. Humans are the only author, endowed with creativity, and the only one responsible for the picture or music of their lives. Therefore, according to Camus, the painful journey down the valley of Sisyphus can also be filled with joy. At the moment of realizing the absurdity and meaninglessness of life and that there is no God, no Almighty, or any great meaning, the absurd man also realizes that he is in control of each present moment of his life. Fully aware of absurdity and death, but the absurd man still does not stop rebelling against it by waking up every day, even by every breath. Similarly, by continuing to go down and push the rock up the mountain one, one hundred, one thousand, or ten thousand more times, Sisyphus shows his resistance, freedom, and passion for his absurd life (Thus I draw from the absurd three consequences, which are my revolt, my freedom, and my passion. By the mere activity of consciousness I transform into a rule of life what was an invitation to death—and I refuse suicide.).

“It is in this that the silent joy of Sisyphus lies. His fate belongs to him. The rock is his work. Likewise, the absurd man, when he contemplates his torment, silences all the idols. The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy.” (All Sisyphus’ silent joy is contained therein. His fate belongs to him. His rock is his thing. Likewise, the absurd man, when he contemplates his torment, silences all the idols. The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy.)

Albert Camus is often regarded as a significant figure in philosophy and literature. However, some might hold the view that "Camus sucks." They might claim that he has a third-rate mind mated with a fifth-rate pen.

To them, the very act of reading his works is the definition of absurdity. They might argue that his ideas are not as profound or original as some make them out to be.

Perhaps they find his writing style to be lacking in elegance or clarity. Maybe they believe that there are other philosophers and writers who have presented more compelling and engaging arguments.

Nevertheless, it is important to note that opinions on Camus vary widely. While some may dismiss him as unworthy, others see great value in his works.

Camus' exploration of themes such as the absurd, freedom, and morality has had a lasting impact on many. His unique perspective and literary talent have inspired countless readers and thinkers.

So, while some may continue to criticize Camus, it is clear that his work will continue to be studied and debated for years to come.

Painting attempt of mine for the sake of philosophical suicide dated 03.07.2018




It happens that the stage sets collapse. Rising, streetcar, four hours in the office or the 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. “Begins”—this is important.


I was drawn to read this book because I knew it delved into the topic of suicide. Recent personal and social events had motivated me to explore this subject further. However, I must admit that the book proved to be a very challenging read for me. It offered a whole new understanding of what it means to be "absurd". The Myth of Sisyphus completely captivated me, and I found myself spending an entire night engrossed in it, pausing periodically to reflect on Camus' perceptions. It's not a book for everyone. The essay also incorporates the philosophical absurdities presented by other philosophers such as Kierkegaard, Husserl, and Heidegger. The last time I recall reading a book of hardcore philosophy was Robert Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, which was a couple of years ago. Suddenly, I was confronted with the mentally exhausting evaluations and ideologies of various philosophers regarding fate, the meaning of life, and similar concepts, all of which Camus labels as absurd.


Living is keeping the absurd alive. Keeping it alive is, above all, contemplating it.


Camus also intends to elaborate on his personal views on love, fame, and some highly held beliefs (other absurdities) that can trigger suicidal notions when they are shattered and beyond repair. This is a book that every serious reader should read and deeply ponder. I have a sense that he will soon be listed among my favorite writers.

You can tell, even in translation, that Camus is a master writer and deserved to win the Nobel Prize in literature. His philosophy is infused with creativity, literature, wit, myths, history, and beautifully crafted sentences. It is truly remarkable how he weaves all these elements together to create a profound and thought-provoking work.

Lots of this book was over my head, and oftentimes what I did understand I disagreed strongly with. However, that didn't stop me from enjoying the book. In fact, it was precisely because of the challenges it presented and the different perspectives it offered that I found it so engaging.

Camus's words have a certain power that draws you in and makes you question your own beliefs and assumptions. His exploration of the human condition and the meaning of life is both poignant and relevant.

"This very heart which is mine will forever remain indefinable to me... Forever I shall be a stranger to myself." These words, in particular, struck a chord with me. They capture the essence of our human experience, the sense of mystery and uncertainty that surrounds us.

Hopefully, someday I can understand this book better and fully appreciate the depth of Camus's philosophy. But even now, I can see why it is considered a classic and why Camus is regarded as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century.

This piece commences with a profound exploration of the absurdity of human longing for meaning within an indifferent and meaningless universe. It delves into the realm of philosophy, perhaps absurdism.

Subsequently, it proceeds to discuss selected literature, accompanied by reminiscences of life in Algeria during the 1930s, along with a few other essays.

Camus appears to hold the view that life in a meaningless cosmos is acceptable, despite his clear aversion to hope. His defense of Don Juan becomes understandable when considering how he allegedly lived his own life.

However, the intense philosophy presented at the beginning somewhat overshadowed the lighter material that followed. I continuously anticipated a return to the weighty themes.

Overall, I would rate it as an okay read. It offers interesting insights but the initial heaviness might have dampened the overall experience for some readers.

Over the past few weeks, I have delved deep into the works of Sartre and Camus. I started with Sartre's "Existentialism is a Humanism" and then reread his essay on Camus. This led me to reread Camus' "The Stranger" and finally, to read the present work.

I believe that "The Myth of Sisyphus" can enhance one's understanding of "The Stranger," but each work also stands on its own. "The Stranger" is a work of Absurdist fiction, while "Sisyphus" is a philosophical work where Camus solidifies his ideas.

The essays in this collection that follow "Sisyphus" are set in Algerian cities and mark the beginning of Camus' establishment of his philosophy of the Absurd. The earliest essay, "Summer in Algiers," was written in 1936 during a time of rising Algerian resistance to French rule.

As Camus' thought evolved, regional chaos gave way to war, and in the face of the atrocities of World War II, he grappled with questions of meaning and purpose. In "The Rebel" and "The Myth of Sisyphus," he addresses the problems of murder and suicide in a post-war world where eternal values seem to have vanished.

Camus takes aim at existentialist philosophers and draws on various sources, including Greek mythology, contemporary philosophy, and the works of great writers. He concludes that Sisyphus' struggle is enough to fill a man's heart and that we must revolt, create, and live in the present.

In the end, Camus assures us that the point is to live, and by accepting the brutal reality of the world and discarding illusions, we can find a sense of freedom.

O my soul, do not aspire to immortal life, but exhaust the limits of the possible. - Pindar

The Myth of Sisyphus is a profound collection of philosophical essays penned by Albert Camus. In it, he delves deep into the Philosophy of the Absurd. This philosophy examines the complex relationship between humanity's intense craving to bestow meaning upon life and the inherent unreasonableness and futility of the universe.

There is no more dreadful punishment than futile and hopeless labor.

The title of this work refers to the tragic figure of Sisyphus from Greek mythology. Zeus, in his divine wrath, condemned Sisyphus to an eternity of rolling a rock up a hill in the depths of Hades. However, no matter how hard he pushed, the stone would inevitably fall back down due to its own weight. This endless cycle of labor without any hope of a lasting result serves as a powerful symbol of the absurdity that Camus explores. It makes us question the very nature of our own existence and the meaning we strive to find in a world that often seems indifferent.

O my soul, do not aspire to immortal life, but exhaust the limits of the possible. - Pindar

The other essays included in this collection are indeed interesting. I had the pleasure of reading them a few years ago, along with the titular essay which still holds a special place as one of my all-time favorite essays ever written. For some reason, my review of Sisyphus is located elsewhere, and you can find it here.

However, when compared to the first essay, the others such as "SUMMER IN ALGIERS", "THE MINOTAUR or THE STOP IN ORAN", "HELEN'S EXILE", "RETURN TO TIPASA" and "THE ARTIST AND HIS TIME" seem to pale in comparison. The latter essay is interesting as it allows us to see Camus' perspective on the "artist". The essay about Algiers is nostalgic and well-written, but wouldn't we all love to read every writer's thoughts on their homeland? It's a fascinating exploration of different themes and ideas, but ultimately, the first essay leaves the most lasting impression.

Truly, I have deeply enjoyed reading this complex philosophical essay. Camus, without a doubt, possesses an extraordinary way with words.

The gods had condemned Sisyphus to the arduous task of ceaselessly rolling a boulder to the top of a mountain, only to have it fall back down due to its own weight. They had, with some rationality, believed that there could be no more dreadful punishment than this futile and hopeless labor.

It is precisely at this juncture that Camus uncovers the utility of the Absurd. If the descent towards the underworld leads one to sorrow, paradoxically, it can also give rise to joy. Happiness and the Absurd are, in a sense, two sons born of the same earth.

“It is during that return, that pause, that Sisyphus interests me. A face that toils so close to stones is already stone itself! I see that man going back down with a heavy yet measured step toward the torment of which he will never know the end. That hour like a breathing-space which returns as surely as his suffering, that is the hour of consciousness. At each of those moments when he leaves the heights and gradually sinks toward the lairs of the gods, he is superior to his fate. He is stronger than his rock.” This passage beautifully encapsulates the essence of Camus' thought, highlighting the power and dignity that can be found even in the face of seemingly insurmountable absurdity.

Camus' exploration of the human condition through the myth of Sisyphus offers profound insights into our own lives. It challenges us to confront the absurdities and futilities that we inevitably encounter and to find meaning and purpose in the midst of them. By doing so, we too can become like Sisyphus, stronger than our own personal rocks and able to face life's challenges with courage and determination.

This is one of the most influential books of the twentieth century. In it, Albert Camus, one of the two leading “French existentialists” along with Jean-Paul Sartre, confronts the problem of suicide. It's an act that seems philosophically sensible in a world where one is born accidentally, suffers, and dies without an apparent purpose. Camus states, “The subject of this essay is precisely the relationship between the absurd and suicide, the exact degree to which suicide is a solution to the absurd.”

\\tCamus lived through and was shaped by the horrors of World War II. He participated by moving from his native Algeria to France and editing Combat, a newspaper of the Resistance. He had no patience for the philosophical nonsense from the ivory tower. Instead, he was interested in the core issues that affect the lives of real people, which is why he became so popular worldwide.

\\tThe title of this book comes from a Greek myth. As a punishment for angering the gods, poor Sisyphus was condemned to endlessly roll a heavy boulder to the top of a mountain, only to have it roll back to the base, where he had to start all over again, repeating this process for all eternity. Camus says, “…Sisyphus is the absurd hero. He is, as much through his passions as through his torture. His scorn of the gods, his hatred of death, and his passion for life won him that unspeakable penalty in which the whole being is exerted toward accomplishing nothing. This is the price that must be paid for the passions of this earth.”

\\tIn a nutshell, Camus' philosophy is that man is born into a universe he can never fully understand. The finite cannot comprehend the infinite. Perhaps there is a higher religious meaning to life, but man cannot know what it is. He only knows he is born to die and there is no plausible evidence of an afterlife. Therefore, he finds himself in an absurd position. Nothing he does in this life can prevent his annihilation at the end. Hard work, achievement, fame, glory—all are ultimately meaningless. Given this, should he commit suicide and end the farce? Camus says no. On the contrary, he believes one should rejoice that life has no meaning because this sets you free to fully enjoy it. The body desires pleasure and the mind seeks beauty, and the universe, though incomprehensible, provides plenty of both. He advises taking what it gives, enjoying oneself day by day, and being proud that despite knowing the inevitability of death, one has the courage to stand up and defy the universe by seizing life's joys while alive. To be an authentic human being means to always remain fully conscious of one's inevitable death and to resist the illusory hopes that the culture constantly presents, which are all desperate evasions by people too cowardly to accept the terrifying truth.

If someone's discourse is like a building that represents the structure of his mind, then I find myself in a dead end in every corner of this one. It's as if I'm lost in a maze with no clear exit.

Perhaps I need to read it over and over again until I can find the way with my eyes closed. But the more I read, the more absurd it seems. Absurd, absurd, absurd... it's all over the floor, like a jumble of words that make no sense.

I wonder if there's something I'm missing, some hidden meaning that I just can't seem to grasp. Or maybe this person's mind is so convoluted that their discourse is simply incomprehensible.

Either way, I'm left feeling frustrated and confused, as if I'm banging my head against a wall. I hope that with more time and effort, I'll be able to make sense of it all and find my way out of this dead end.