The Plague - ★★★★★ | completed by January 17, 2019 my review

This work is truly remarkable. It takes the reader on a journey through a world ravaged by the plague, exploring themes of human nature, survival, and the search for meaning in the face of chaos.

The Fall - ★★★★★ | by May 14, 2018 my review

This book is a profound exploration of guilt, morality, and the human condition. It forces the reader to confront their own beliefs and values, and to question the nature of good and evil.

Exile and Kingdom - ★★★★ | by December 2, 2018

This collection of short stories offers a diverse range of perspectives on the themes of exile, alienation, and the search for belonging. Each story is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience.

Reflections on the Guillotine -★★★★ | by May 6, 2018 my review

This work is a powerful indictment of the death penalty and a meditation on the nature of justice. It challenges the reader to consider the moral implications of taking a human life and to question the efficacy of capital punishment.

The Myth of Sisyphus - ★★★★★ | by October 12, 2017 my review

This is a classic work of philosophy that explores the absurdity of human existence and the need to find meaning in a world without inherent purpose. It is a profound and inspiring meditation on the human condition.

Five stars for "The Plague" – absolutely brilliant novel.

This remarkable piece of literature takes readers on a profound journey through a fictional town that is struck by a devastating plague. The author's vivid descriptions bring the chaos and fear of the epidemic to life, making it impossible to put the book down.

The characters are well-developed and complex, each facing their own challenges and struggles in the face of the crisis. From the dedicated doctors and nurses to the ordinary citizens trying to survive, their stories are both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

"The Plague" is not just a novel about a disease; it is a meditation on the human condition, exploring themes such as morality, courage, and the importance of community. It forces readers to confront their own beliefs and values and思考 how they would respond in a similar situation.

In conclusion, "The Plague" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking and engaging literature. It is a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

**Original Article**: The importance of exercise cannot be overemphasized. It helps to keep our bodies healthy and strong. Regular exercise can also improve our mental health and reduce stress.

**Expanded Article**:

The significance of exercise simply cannot be overstated. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the well-being of our bodies, enabling us to stay healthy and robust.

Not only that, but regular physical activity also has a profound impact on our mental health. It serves as a powerful stress reliever, helping us to unwind and relax in the face of the daily pressures of life.

Whether it's through aerobic exercises like running or cycling, or strength training activities such as weightlifting, incorporating exercise into our daily routines is essential for a balanced and fulfilling life.

Need to reread the Myth of Sysyphus again. Here, Camus delves into the works and ideas of Husserl, Heidegger, Kafka, and a few other existentialist thinkers. It's really hard going. The concepts and theories he presents are complex and require careful consideration and analysis.

The Fall, on the other hand, which is my second reading, is an absolute gem. It's a profound and thought-provoking novel that explores themes such as guilt, responsibility, and the human condition. The writing is beautiful and engaging, and it draws the reader in from the very first page.

Both of these works by Camus are essential reading for anyone interested in philosophy, literature, or the human experience. They offer unique perspectives and insights that can help us to better understand ourselves and the world around us. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a challenging and rewarding read.

This is why I don't like riding in cars.

Firstly, cars can be very uncomfortable. The seats may not be adjustable enough to fit my body properly, causing back pain or stiffness after a long ride.

Secondly, the traffic can be a nightmare. Sitting in a car stuck in traffic for hours on end is not only frustrating but also a waste of time.

Thirdly, cars can be very polluting. The exhaust fumes they emit contribute to air pollution, which is harmful to our health and the environment.

Finally, riding in a car can be a very isolating experience. You are stuck inside a metal box with only the people in the car with you, and you can't really interact with the outside world.

For all these reasons, I much prefer other forms of transportation, such as walking, cycling, or taking public transport.

Albert Camus is the sole writer whom I continuously hold in high regard, even during those times when I might not fully fathom his works.

The Stranger was the very first existential and absurd novel that crossed my path. The peculiar and alienating sensation it evoked within me persisted and left me in a state of daze for several days.

This collection is no different. In fact, it is, if anything, more lyrical (albeit a bit wordy), yet it is unmistakably stamped with Camus' signature style of vagueness, strangeness, and a sense that something isn't quite as it should be.

The Plague stands out as the most concrete and traditionally stylized among all of them, while The Fall delves deepest into existential themes. However, the most profound work remains The Myth of Sisyphus, which represents an incalculable contribution to the field of philosophy.

Camus' works have a unique allure that continues to draw me in, even when I grapple with their complexity. His ability to explore the human condition in such a profound and thought-provoking manner is truly remarkable.

First and foremost, at the very least you should attempt to seek out a distinct translation of The Plague. This particular one, translated by Stuart Gilbert, is nearly 70 years old and yet still contains glaringly obvious errors, such as “his case continued doubtful”.

I initially made an effort to read The Plague perhaps 15 years ago, and I now recall the reason why I ceased. It commences strongly, but then truly becomes a laborious slog in the middle. However, I am pleased to report that it also concludes strongly. But even these are relative terms.

I did not discover anything extremely captivating within it, even now, having endured a pandemic. The characters are not that interesting, the morality is either unfathomable (Tarrou’s speech about everything being pestilence or man?) or overly blatant (Rambert’s decision to volunteer with the ambulances rather than flee the town). Nevertheless, it is not overly long, and I am glad that I finally completed it.

So much resonates for those that experienced Covington lockdowns.

It's not just the surface-level events and restrictions that they remember. There's a deeper, more visceral survival response that kicks in during such trying times.

The internal machinations that occur within each individual are complex and often overlooked.

People find themselves grappling with fear, uncertainty, and a desperate need to adapt.

These emotions and thoughts all contribute to the culmination that is the ending of the lockdown.

It's a moment of both relief and reflection, as they look back on what they've endured and how they've changed.

The experience of the Covington lockdowns is etched in their memories, forever shaping their perspective on life and survival.

Thoughts of a Noted Thinker

A noted thinker has offered profound insights that resonate deeply with our present situation. His imagination of The Plague aligns remarkably with the reality we are currently experiencing with the Covid-19 pandemic. Just as in his envisioning, the spread of the disease has brought about a sense of uncertainty, fear, and disruption.

The Myth of Sisyphus, on the other hand, presents a powerful exploration of the absurdity of life. It makes us question the meaning and purpose of our existence in the face of seemingly endless and futile tasks.

Reflections on the Guillotine is a compelling argument against administrative murder. It forces us to confront the morality and ethics of taking a life through state-sanctioned means.

These thoughts serve as a reminder that the ideas and perspectives of great thinkers can have a lasting impact and continue to be relevant in different eras and circumstances. They challenge us to think critically about our own lives, society, and the world around us.

I wanted to pen down a rather extensive note regarding how, once I had completed rereading The Plague, it suddenly dawned on me that *this* particular story had exerted a colossal influence in shaping my character. And to come to such a realization is indeed quite profound. Perhaps it was on account of the hazy state of fever through which I was reading, but I had to lie motionless for a while and transport myself back to that initial encounter and recollect the child I had been... That fiercely watchful and indignant child, appalled by the world of the 80's...sigh. Wishing, as Rimbaud had written (in which poem was it? "The Blacksmith"?):

"Nous nous sentions si forts, nous voulions être doux!"

That's right. It's truly remarkable how a single book can have such a profound impact on one's perception of oneself and the world. The Plague seems to have unearthed something deep within me, something that I had perhaps been suppressing or not fully aware of. It makes me wonder how many other books out there hold the power to transform us in ways we never imagined.

3.5 Stars!

Review for THE MYTH OF SISYPHUS

If you don't laugh, you'll cry. This might just be as good a way as any to summarize the essence of this essay. And it's a comforting thought, somewhat similar to the old Buddhist line of thinking about originating from nothing and returning to nothing, and coming to terms with the fact that we're already dead anyway, so there's no point in worrying about... Well, I feel I'm digressing here.

This was an interesting read. Although I didn't walk away with any profound or life-altering insights like many others seem to have, it was still an enjoyable, worthwhile, and dare I say, an uplifting read. Let's just go with that, shall we? It made me think about the absurdity of life and how we can choose to respond to it. Camus presents the idea of Sisyphus, condemned to forever push a rock up a hill only to have it roll back down, as a symbol of the human condition. But rather than seeing it as a tragic fate, he suggests that we can find meaning and value in the act of persevering. Maybe that's the lesson we can take from this essay - to keep going, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges.

The Myth of Sisyphus is a profound and thought-provoking work. It tells the story of Sisyphus, who is condemned by the gods to forever roll a boulder up a hill, only to have it roll back down each time he nears the top.

This myth can be seen as a metaphor for the human condition. We are all constantly striving towards goals, only to find that once we reach them, there is always another task or challenge waiting for us.

The Myth of Sisyphus also explores the concepts of meaning and purpose in life. Sisyphus' task seems completely futile, yet he continues to do it. This raises the question of whether there is any meaning in our own lives, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Overall, 'The Myth of Sisyphus' is a powerful and influential work that forces us to confront the realities of our own existence and consider the true nature of meaning and purpose.