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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This book is a remarkable collection curated by Camus himself. It serves as a platform to showcase his profound thoughts on a plethora of political topics and concepts that were relevant during his era.

His essays on Alegria offer a very unique perspective. Some might view his stances as fence-sitting, but in my considered opinion, Camus presents highly convincing arguments. The perspective of a Peid Noir, who endeavors to advocate for a distinct position in a situation that seemed to be headed towards an all-out war, is truly worth reading.

In the context of events such as the genocide unfolding in Gaza, it becomes even more worthwhile to see how similar events were discussed and debated during that time. Since a significant portion of these collections consists of speeches and interviews, the prose might not be typical of Camus, but that's perfectly fine as he remains a highly effective communicator.

The best sections of the book are undoubtedly Camus's "Reflections on the Guillotine" and "Letters to a German Friend." In these, Camus masterfully lays out various arguments against the death penalty and Nazism. Both are among Camus's finest non-fiction works, demonstrating great skill in dissecting two of the most egregious moral problems of the day. Sadly, they remain just as relevant today as they were then.

Overall, the work spans over 15 years, allowing us to witness the evolution of Camus's thoughts. This alone makes it a highly worthwhile read.

Resistance, Rebellion, and Death showcases Camus in his most unyielding state. It is a profound testament of conscience, molded in the intense crucible of war, oppression, and moral revolt. These essays are far from being mere abstractions. Instead, they are filled with a sense of urgency and warmth, as if they are written by a man who clearly understands that thought, when divorced from action, is equivalent to surrender.

Camus does not engage in moralizing. Instead, he simply bears witness to the harsh realities. He gives a voice to the condemned, the exiled, and the defiant. He refuses to succumb to despair, yet he never trivializes suffering by offering false hope. His words serve as both a solemn dirge and a powerful demand. They are a reckoning with injustice and an unwavering insistence on dignity.

When one reads Camus, one can truly feel the weight of the world pressing down. At the same time, one can also sense the fire burning within those who refuse to be broken by it. His works have the power to inspire and move, to make us question our own beliefs and actions, and to remind us of the importance of standing up for what is right.

The world I inhabit is truly loathsome to me. It is a place filled with chaos, injustice, and suffering. However, I find a strange sense of unity with the men who endure such hardships within it. This profound thought comes from Camus, a remarkable thinker. You are initially drawn to his work for his eloquent condemnation of the horrors that plagued the 20th century. His words cut through the darkness, shining a light on the atrocities that occurred. Moreover, his heartfelt compassion for the oppressed is palpable, making you empathize with those who have suffered.

But as you delve deeper into his writings, you realize a rather disconcerting fact. Women and their lot seem to account for precisely zero of his thought. It is as if they exist on the periphery of his vision, overlooked and ignored. This omission is significant and leaves one wondering about the limitations of his perspective.

Despite this flaw, Camus' work still holds great value. His insights into the human condition and the nature of evil are profound and thought-provoking. However, it serves as a reminder that even the greatest thinkers have their blind spots and that we must always strive for a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of the world.

For a book that bears such a title, it is astonishing how much ink is spilled discouraging rebellion and revolution. It is rather feeble political writing. I do appreciate Camus' empathetic and optimistic philosophy with which he approaches things. However, it results in some extremely weak political stances here.

His writing on Algeria, in particular, has a real "Israel and Palestine need to listen to John Lennon's Imagine" kind of energy. It is quite baffling and, to be honest, very disappointing. My once-problematic favorite has now left me with a sense of letdown.

I had expected more from Camus in this regard. His reputation as a thinker led me to anticipate more profound and incisive political analysis. But alas, what I found was this rather lackluster treatment of such important and complex issues.

Perhaps I was too idealistic in my expectations, but I cannot help but feel a sense of disappointment. I will continue to explore Camus' works, hoping to find the depth and wisdom that I know he is capable of. But for now, this particular aspect of his writing has left me with a sense of dissatisfaction.