Ease Reading-Find Your Next Favorite Book

Hot Search

Resistance, Rebellion and Death: Essays

albert camus

... Show More
In the speech he gave upon accepting the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1957, Albert Camus said that a writer "cannot serve today those who make history; he must serve those who are subject to it." And in these twenty-three political essays, he demonstrates his commitment to history's victims, from the fallen maquis of the French Resistance to the casualties of the Cold War.
Resistance, Rebellion and Death displays Camus's rigorous moral intelligence addressing issues that range from colonial warfare in Algeria to the social cancer of capital punishment. But this stirring book is above all a reflection on the problem of freedom, and, as such, belongs in the same tradition as the works that gave Camus his reputation as the conscience of our century: The Stranger, The Rebel and The Myth of Sisyphus.

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1960

This edition

Format
288 pages, Paperback
Published
August 29, 1995 by Vintage
ISBN
9780679764014
ASIN
0679764011
Language
English

More editions

About the author

Profile Image for albert camus

albert camus

... Show More
Works, such as the novels The Stranger (1942) and The Plague (1947), of Algerian-born French writer and philosopher Albert Camus concern the absurdity of the human condition; he won the Nobel Prize of 1957 for literature.

Origin and his experiences of this representative of non-metropolitan literature in the 1930s dominated influences in his thought and work.

He also adapted plays of Pedro Calderón de la Barca, Lope de Vega, Dino Buzzati, and Requiem for a Nun of William Faulkner. One may trace his enjoyment of the theater back to his membership in l'Equipe, an Algerian group, whose "collective creation" Révolte dans les Asturies (1934) was banned for political reasons.

Of semi-proletarian parents, early attached to intellectual circles of strongly revolutionary tendencies, with a deep interest, he came at the age of 25 years in 1938; only chance prevented him from pursuing a university career in that field. The man and the times met: Camus joined the resistance movement during the occupation and after the liberation served as a columnist for the newspaper Combat.

The essay Le Mythe de Sisyphe (The Myth of Sisyphus), 1942, expounds notion of acceptance of the absurd of Camus with "the total absence of hope, which has nothing to do with despair, a continual refusal, which must not be confused with renouncement - and a conscious dissatisfaction."
Meursault, central character of L'Étranger (The Stranger), 1942, illustrates much of this essay: man as the nauseated victim of the absurd orthodoxy of habit, later - when the young killer faces execution - tempted by despair, hope, and salvation.

Besides his fiction and essays, Camus very actively produced plays in the theater (e.g., Caligula, 1944).

The time demanded his response, chiefly in his activities, but in 1947, Camus retired from political journalism.

Doctor Rieux of La Peste (The Plague), 1947, who tirelessly attends the plague-stricken citizens of Oran, enacts the revolt against a world of the absurd and of injustice, and confirms words: "We refuse to despair of mankind. Without having the unreasonable ambition to save men, we still want to serve them."

People also well know La Chute (The Fall), work of Camus in 1956.

Camus authored L'Exil et le royaume (Exile and the Kingdom) in 1957. His austere search for moral order found its aesthetic correlative in the classicism of his art. He styled of great purity, intense concentration, and rationality.

Camus died at the age of 46 years in a car accident near Sens in le Grand Fossard in the small town of Villeblevin.

Chinese 阿尔贝·加缪

Readers also enjoyed

Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
40(40%)
4 stars
22(22%)
3 stars
38(38%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
YosepRA
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
Beautifully written,

this piece is surprisingly relevant.

It captivates the reader with its eloquent language and engaging style.

The author's words flow seamlessly, painting a vivid picture in the mind.

Despite being written perhaps some time ago, its message still holds true today.

It speaks to the human condition in a way that is both profound and relatable.

One can't help but be drawn in by the beauty of the prose and the significance of its content.

Whether it's a reflection on love, life, or the world around us, this article has something to offer everyone.

It serves as a reminder that good writing has the power to transcend time and touch the hearts of readers across generations.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Lumyh
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
I ain't going to rate this book.

Some of the essays require an understanding that involves being aware of the history of a few European countries, which I was ignorant of. Hence, they couldn't be fathomed well.

Of all the things, this book makes sure that you fall in love with Camus some more. The way he was a great humanitarian is truly remarkable.

The essay "Reflexions on the Guillotine" has been covered so well that if the capital punishment were still existing in France today, you'd have asked for its abolition or its being carried out publicly. It makes one think deeply about the morality and ethics of such a practice.

Overall, this book offers a unique perspective and challenges the reader to expand their knowledge and understanding of various topics.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
nycReaching
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
Camus questioned the defeat of the Germans in terms of reason.

Why did they lose to the lust for war and cause destruction to Europe?

Camus might have been pondering over the complex factors that led to this outcome.

Perhaps it was the overarching ambition and the blind pursuit of power that clouded their judgment.

The Germans, driven by their desire for expansion and dominance, engaged in a war that brought chaos and devastation.

Camus may have been reflecting on how such a powerful nation could be swayed by such base instincts.

Was it a lack of moral compass or an inability to see the consequences of their actions?

These questions raised by Camus invite us to think deeper about the nature of war and the role of human nature in it.

By examining the German defeat, we can gain valuable insights into the importance of reason and restraint in times of conflict.

0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Nikkon
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
Essays that grapple with political themes, ranging from the Resistance of World War Two to the Algerian War and even the topic of the death penalty, offer a fascinating glimpse into Camus's evolving perspective.

In the 1940s, Camus was passionately partisan, but as time went on, his reaction to the country he was born in became more complex, ambivalent, and torn.

Reading these essays required a fair amount of stopping to research the history and the people involved. This was necessary in order to truly understand the issues at hand.

By delving into the historical context, one can better appreciate the nuances of Camus's arguments and the challenges he faced in grappling with these difficult political topics.

It is through this process of research and reflection that we can gain a deeper understanding of both Camus's work and the political landscapes that he was writing about.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Poppy_Raum
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
The sheer positivity of the writing is truly infectious.

It is brimming with brilliant insights into totalitarianism and the ways in which it can, and indeed must, be resisted.

I was especially impressed by his argument against capital punishment.

His interesting observation that over the course of the 20th century, a person is just as likely, if not more so, to be killed by the State than by another individual, really made me think.

This highlights the importance of protecting the liberty of everyone by reducing the role of the State as the omniscient, omnipotent executioner wherever possible.

By doing so, we can ensure that the rights and freedoms of individuals are safeguarded and that the power of the State is not misused.

Overall, the author's writing is both thought-provoking and inspiring, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in these important issues.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
YYRezin
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
This is truly some remarkable stuff.

Even after 60 - 80 years, what Camus said still holds great relevance.

My favorite piece from this book, “Letters to a German Friend,” beautifully captures the thoughts of a patriot and a believer in liberty.

Here, he calls out the differences between himself and a supporter of Nazi Germany, the distinct characters of their nations, and the ultimate fate that awaits each.

I felt that these letters were especially pertinent to the current political climate in the US.

The address at the end of the first letter gave a significant boost to my hope for the fate of my country.

Other essays in the book further showcase Camus’ unwavering beliefs in liberty and justice.

He offers incisive criticisms of tyranny, regardless of which part of the political spectrum it emerges from.

His disdain for the death penalty is also evident, as are his opinions on art and artists.

Overall, this book is a treasure trove of profound thoughts and ideas that continue to resonate with readers today.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
MGX_asian
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
Initially, when delving into these essays, I was somewhat deterred by Camus’ repeated urgings of society to recognize the virtues of concepts like liberty, honour, and justice. After all, he is an Absurdist, I mused. Surely, he would possess the wisdom to understand that these are merely fragile social constructs, perilous things upon which to base one’s philosophy.

However, that was until I came to the realization that he is, in fact, not doing precisely that. He is an Absurdist: he does not anchor his philosophy around dogma; he does not attempt to answer the question “how should one live?” nor does he claim to. His contention is that no one should make such a claim. No one should assume to have discovered a solution that is applicable to everyone. Therefore, all individuals should be granted the liberty to deduce that for themselves. To deny a person’s liberty is not only extremely hazardous but also profoundly hubristic and arrogant.

Consequently, Camus integrates concepts that would not typically align with a philosophy devoid of fixed virtues into his own philosophy, which indeed has no set virtues. His point is not, as it was in the Platonic or Christian traditions, that one should be honourable simply for the sake of honour. Instead, it is that to be dishonourable would be foolish, arrogant, and dangerous. Once I grasped this, I became far more open and receptive to his ideas.
0 0 Reply
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Mr_Miner
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
... Show More
Albert Camus is renowned for his remarkable essays that not only showcase his profound philosophical insights but also involve an intellectual brawl with Gabriel Marcel.

His works are a treasure trove of ideas that have the power to challenge and inspire readers. However, some may rate these essays low due to the fact that certain topics are quite difficult to resonate with.

This is mainly because they are predominantly western in nature and may not directly speak to the experiences and perspectives of those from other cultures.

Nevertheless, it is important to approach Camus' essays with an open mind and a willingness to engage with different ideas. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of his philosophy and perhaps even find common ground with his thoughts.

Despite the challenges, Camus' essays remain a significant contribution to the world of philosophy and continue to be studied and debated by scholars and enthusiasts alike.
0 0 Reply
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.