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July 15,2025
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Albert Camus' work is an excellent manifestation of his absurdism, particularly in the Reflections of the Guillotine chapter. Camus didn't just simply rant about the ineffective and superficial authority of capital punishment. Instead, he was able to pinpoint its inherent flaw - irreversibility. Once capital punishment is carried out, it removes moral flexibility, leaving no room for correction or reconsideration. This aspect of his argument adds a layer of depth and complexity to the discussion of the death penalty.


Moreover, the Bread and Freedom chapter explores Camus' opinions on freedom and justice. He underscored the critical role of freedom in developing societies. Without freedom, individuals are unable to fully express themselves and reach their potential. Camus believed that freedom was essential for the growth and progress of a society. However, he also recognized that freedom must be balanced with justice to ensure that it is not misused or abused.


In general, his humanism, along with being a critic of totalitarianism and authoritarianism, was really seen in this book. Camus' work is a powerful reminder of the importance of human values and the need to protect and promote them in all aspects of society. His ideas continue to be relevant today and serve as a source of inspiration for those who are committed to creating a more just and equitable world.

July 15,2025
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In 2019, the Philippines witnessed a series of events that were both timely and significant.

The country was making progress in various aspects, including economic development and social reforms.

The government was implementing policies to boost infrastructure建设 and attract foreign investment.

This led to an increase in job opportunities and improved living standards for many Filipinos.

Moreover, there was a growing awareness of environmental issues, and efforts were being made to protect the country's natural resources.

In the field of education, steps were being taken to enhance the quality of learning and make it more accessible to all.

Overall, 2019 was a year of positive change and growth for the Philippines, and the timely actions taken during this period set the stage for a more prosperous future.
July 15,2025
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Resistance, Rebellion, and Death truly lives up to its profound and thought-provoking title. In this work, Camus engages with the significant moral dilemmas of his era. These include the concepts of freedom and liberty, the horrors of WWII, the zero-sum anti-colonial battles in Algeria and Hungary, the contentious issue of the death penalty, and the responsibility of art.

This collection is a masterful compilation that consists of a wide range of materials, from interviews and speeches to underground journalism and formal essays.

Camus publicly parted ways with his contemporary, Sartre, regarding the question of whether violence can be justified for a noble cause. Camus firmly believed that it could not, and this collection showcases the application of that philosophy.

During the intense anti-colonial struggle in his native Algeria, where the French held onto racist colonial rule and some radical Algerian Arabs committed acts of violence against innocent French-Algerians while demanding the expulsion of all those of French descent, Camus served as a journalist to document the conflict. He wrote, "When fighting for your truth, you must take care not to kill it with the very arms you are using to defend it."

The most impactful piece in the collection is a sixty-page essay titled "Reflections on the Guillotine," which criticizes the death penalty from every possible angle. Camus concludes this highly relevant essay by stating, "There will be no lasting peace either in the heart of individuals or in social customs until death is outlawed."

I am often in awe of the moral certainty that Camus expresses. However, he makes it clear that his unwavering and decent humanism was not without challenges, as he speaks of overcoming the "temptation of hatred" that resulted from the mass deaths of loved ones during WWII.

Reflecting on the contradictions that artists face, Camus declares, "the world is nothing and the world is everything." Perhaps this statement may seem trite, but I can think of no better way to summarize Camus's philosophy and his refusal to abandon hope in the pursuit of unity, fraternity, and love.
July 15,2025
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This selection of essays from Camus' Actuelles might not enjoy the same level of fame as some of his other works. However, I firmly believe it is an essential component in piecing together a more comprehensive image of their author. Camus is not merely the writer of The Stranger (L'Étranger) and The Myth of Sisyphus (Le Mythe de Sisyphe).

Resistance, Rebellion and Death presents a more vivid portrayal of Camus, not just as a writer but as a person. Here, one truly gets to see the passionate rebel that he was.

In my honest assessment, this is a must-read for those who wish to delve deeply into his works.

Particularly, I think "Reflections on the Guillotine" (likely the longest piece in this collection but a great read) offers valuable insights into The Stranger and perhaps even the character of Jean Tarrou from his other remarkable novel The Plague (La Peste). It enriches our understanding of Camus' oeuvre and the complex themes he explored.

By reading this collection, we can gain a more nuanced perspective on Camus and his contributions to literature and thought.
July 15,2025
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In the Indonesian edition, there are two books (with different titles) that contain a collection of essays by Albert Camus. These two books are "Crisis of Freedom" and "Rebellion, Revolt, and Death."

If that's the case, then I have read this one, which means...

Camus' works are renowned for their profound exploration of human nature, the meaning of life, and the struggle for freedom and justice. His essays offer unique perspectives and insights that continue to resonate with readers today.

"Crisis of Freedom" delves into the challenges and dilemmas faced by individuals in a society that often restricts their freedom. It examines the various forms of oppression and the importance of standing up for one's rights.

"Rebellion, Revolt, and Death" explores the themes of resistance, the search for meaning in a chaotic world, and the inevitability of death. Camus' writing style is both engaging and thought-provoking, making his works accessible to a wide range of readers.

Overall, reading Camus' essays is a rewarding experience that can expand our understanding of the human condition and inspire us to take action in the face of injustice.
July 15,2025
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This essay collection has been for half a century a literary treasure hidden in plain sight.

Although Camus’ essays have never gone out of print, this collection languished until recently in the shadow of Camus’s more famous and canonical works, such as The Stranger, The Plague, and The Myth of Sisyphus. Some article I read mentioned that in the last year of Camus’s life, he selected twenty-three essays from the three volumes of Actuelles, which he considered most worthy of preservation in English. However, I could not find any English copy of Actuelles. Until recently, I realized that the name Actuelles did not carry over in the English copy, and here we have this book Resistance, Rebellion, and Death.

The twenty-three essays in this collection deal with the perennially current issues that periodically pulled Camus away from his creative writing. By remaining blatantly independent, in his essays, Camus spoke out against both the Russian slave-labor camps and U.S. support of Franco’s Spain. By overcoming the immature nihilism and despair that he saw as poisoning our century, he emerged as a staunch defender of our positive moral values. Camus stated that the “writer’s function is not without arduous duties. By definition, he cannot serve today those who make history; he must serve those who are subject to it”. And Camus lived up to his words as he demonstrated his commitment to history’s victims, from the fallen maquis of the French Resistance to the casualties of the Cold War.

There is nothing in Resistance, Rebellion, and Death of the metaphysical Camus; all the subjects are socio-political, and the essay topics range from the French Spirit, European civilization, colonial warfare in Algeria, to the social cancer of capital punishment, death, resistance, rebellion, and freedom. In this, Camus is relatable, not because we necessarily agree with his views or values, but because he consistently and tirelessly lived out his views and values.

What I love about Camus is that he is a relentless journalist, an underground fighter who is never less in actions than in words.

Read it carefully, then read it again. This is a mature, carefully worded expression of the political, philosophical, and personal credo of a rebel whose bravery forces us to face the need to answer.
July 15,2025
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A tour de force. It is truly remarkable to witness one man who is both an artist and a philosopher, fearlessly tackling the great dilemmas and ideas of his time. His thought is not only clean and precise but also bristling with energy and has a timeless quality. This superb collection of essays delves into a wide range of captivating topics. It explores the French Resistance during World War II, shedding light on the heroic efforts and sacrifices of those involved. It also examines the complex issues of racism and strife in French-Arab Algeria, providing deep insights into the social and political tensions of that region. Additionally, the essays touch upon the controversial topic of the death penalty, sparking thought-provoking discussions about justice and morality. Finally, the collection delves into the philosophy of art, offering unique perspectives on the nature and significance of artistic expression. Overall, this is a must-read collection for anyone interested in exploring the profound ideas and issues of our time.

July 15,2025
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The man must learn how to read.

Once he masters this essential skill, he may then embark on the journey of learning about Albert Camus.

Camus had very complex and magnificent ideas about liberty and freedom. His works explore these profound concepts in great depth.

One particular book that stands out as an excellent guide for enlightened rebellions is [mention the specific book].

This book offers valuable insights and perspectives that can inspire and guide those who are seeking to understand and challenge the status quo in the name of liberty and freedom.

By delving into Camus' ideas, the man can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of these values and how they can be pursued and defended in a complex and often unjust world.

Overall, learning to read and then exploring the works of Albert Camus can be a transformative experience for the man, opening his eyes to new ideas and possibilities and equipping him with the tools he needs to become an enlightened rebel.
July 15,2025
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Would’ve been 5* if Camus wasn’t such a Francophile.

I picked up this bad boi in Barnes and Noble.

It's quite interesting to note that Pitbull isn't the only driller who is Mr Worldwide.

Camus, with his works and ideas, has also had a significant impact globally.

His writing style and philosophical musings have reached audiences far and wide.

However, his Francophile nature sometimes seems to overshadow other aspects of his work.

Nevertheless, this doesn't take away from the fact that he is a highly regarded and influential figure.

The book I got from Barnes and Noble holds a wealth of his thoughts and perspectives.

It's like a window into his world, allowing readers to explore and understand his ideas better.

Despite the criticism regarding his Francophilia, Camus' contributions to literature and philosophy are undeniable.

He continues to be studied and discussed, making him a truly "Mr Worldwide" in the literary and intellectual realm.

July 15,2025
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The first set titled "Letters to a German Friend" was truly disturbing. War is indeed a complex and often immoral business. However, Camus presents it in a way that makes it seem as if it is solely based on ideology.

He appears to believe that the decision to engage in war is a collective one made by the entire nation. In reality, it is the ruling class that makes such decisions, usually for their own interests.

Camus claims to be a philosopher, not a politician. But I would argue that even his understanding of basic politics is rather questionable.

I have a certain admiration for Camus, yet when it comes to the politics surrounding the World Wars, I find Orwell's perspective more appealing.

I have read his essays on Art, which I found somewhat interesting.

However, his other essays or articles on Algeria, Hungary, and Paris are rather difficult to read as I am not well-versed in their respective histories.

Also, since I do not fully agree with his political ideas, I have decided to put aside this collection for now. Maybe I will pick it up again at a later time.
July 15,2025
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One of the most thought-provoking books I've read in a long while is this collection.

It commences with ideas centered around resistance against occupation and the indomitable soul of a people. As the reader delves further, the tone undergoes a shift when they encounter one of Camus' greatest works, namely "reflection on the guillotine." This is a passionate argument against the use of the death penalty. The essay was an absolute pleasure to read and not only solidified but also added depth to my own beliefs and thoughts regarding the death penalty.

Finally, upon concluding the collection with essays on the Artist and his Time, the reader brings such a profound work to a close on a hopeful and uplifting note. It leaves one with a more optimistic perspective, viewing mankind and the work of artists in a brighter light.

This collection truly offers a wealth of insights and perspectives that linger in the mind long after the final page has been turned.
July 15,2025
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Five stars for 'Reflections on the Guillotine' and 'Create Dangerously'.

However, there is a significant portion of this volume that appears rather dated.

His reflections on Algeria are depressingly relevant, and his 'Letters to a German Friend' offer a fascinating glimpse into the Combat Camus.

Nevertheless, the book does contain some filler.

While this is not sufficient to detract from the extraordinary quality of the two essays mentioned initially, it is enough to make one hesitant to recommend reading the book cover-to-cover without reservation.

Or, to put it another way, doing so is more of a four-star than a five-star experience.

This is not to say that the book is without value.

The two outstanding essays alone are worth the price of admission.

But for those who are short on time or looking for a more tightly focused read, it may be advisable to skip over some of the less engaging sections.

Overall, 'Reflections on the Guillotine' and 'Create Dangerously' are essential reading for anyone interested in Camus' work, but the volume as a whole has its flaws.

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