This book does drone a bit, but only in my own mind. Camus, on the other hand, never wastes space on paper. His writing is very dense, which requires careful reading and reflection.

I found that I resonated with the last three essays the most. They explored profound themes such as the meaning of life, the nature of freedom, and the importance of authenticity.

Interestingly, I was slightly disappointed to discover that the landscape Camus described 80 years ago is still relevant today. This suggests that some aspects of the human condition have not changed much over time.

However, Camus' suggestions and ideas are still potent and full of possibility. His work challenges us to think deeply about our own lives and to strive for a more meaningful and fulfilling existence.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in philosophy, literature, or the human condition. It is a thought-provoking and engaging read that will leave you with much to ponder.

I find it incredibly depressing that certain books are out of print and somewhat difficult to find.

This is one such book. It is a work whose significance is not limited to the era in which it was written.

By simply changing the names of the countries and people, it could easily be a contemporary piece.

I truly believe that everyone who cares about the world around them and is interested in what is happening within it should read this book.

Moreover, it does a remarkable job of presenting many of Camus' philosophies in a much more straightforward manner.

Since it eliminates the fictional element present in his novels, it allows for a more direct exploration of his ideas.

This makes it an essential read for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of Camus' thoughts and perspectives.

Overall, this book is a valuable contribution to literature and philosophy, and its unavailability is a great loss.

Hopefully, it will be reprinted in the future so that more people can have the opportunity to discover its wisdom and beauty.

The medium rating is assigned to this book.

The reason for this is that after a certain period, the book becomes repetitive. It is a compilation of his essays, articles, and letters, and frequently dwells on the same point, such as "nihilism is bad, vive la resistance!"

However, I did appreciate one aspect. Reading this book gives the impression of a behind-the-scenes peek into Camus' life, as it is set within a historical context.

It allows the reader to understand how his thoughts and ideas were shaped by the events and circumstances of his time.

Despite the repetitiveness, this aspect adds depth and interest to the book, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in Camus and his work.

Overall, while the book may not be perfect, it does offer valuable insights into the mind of a great philosopher.

Wonder if Camus had a premonition of how relevant his writing would be over half a century later. His works are renowned for their elegant prose and profound ideas. However, the 40-page treatise against the death sentence might seem a bit excessive, especially when it feels like preaching to the choir. Nevertheless, it was written with great purpose and strength. Camus' exploration of this topic delved deep into the moral and ethical implications, challenging the readers to question the very foundation of such a practice. His words still resonate today, as we continue to grapple with issues of justice and human rights. Despite the length, his arguments are presented with clarity and conviction, making it a thought-provoking read that invites further reflection on the complex nature of our society and the choices we make.

These essays exhibited a remarkable diversity in quality. Some were truly outstanding, presenting profound ideas and well-structured arguments that left a lasting impression on me. Others, however, were less polished and needed more refinement. Nevertheless, each and every one of them had the power to make me think deeply. They challenged my assumptions, broadened my perspective, and forced me to consider different viewpoints.

Despite the disparities in quality, I found value in all of these essays. They served as a source of inspiration and a catalyst for my own intellectual growth. After careful consideration, I have decided to rate them with four stars. This rating reflects not only the overall quality of the essays but also the impact they had on my thinking.

I believe that these essays have the potential to engage and enlighten other readers as well. They offer a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of topics and gain new insights. Whether you are a student, a scholar, or simply someone with a passion for learning, I highly recommend giving these essays a read.

Powerfully and staggeringly timely.

Man is mortal. That may be, but let us die resisting; and if our lot is complete annihilation, let us not behave in such a way that it seems justice!

I chose justice in order to remain faithful to the world. I continue to believe that this world has no ultimate meaning. But I know that something in it has a meaning and that is man, because he is the only creature to insist on having one: hence he must be saved if we want to save the idea we have of life.

Despite the clamors and the violence, we tried to preserve in our hearts the memory of a happy sea, of a remembered hill, the smile of a beloved face. This was our best weapon, the one we shall never put away. But we know now that the weapons of happiness cannot be forged without considerable time and too much blood.

The moment people begin rejecting the mystifications on which nihilism is based, then hope is possible. The whole question is whether or not we shall develop faster than the rocket with a nuclear warhead. And unfortunately, the fruits of the spirit are slower to ripen than intercontinental missiles. But, after all, since atomic war would divest any future of its meaning, it gives us complete freedom of action. We have nothing to lose except everything. So let's go ahead. This is the wager of our generation. If we are to fail, it is better, in any case, to have stood on the side of those who choose life than on the side of those who are destroying.

The rebirth is in the hands of all of us. It is up to us if the West is to bring forth any anti-Alexanders to tie together the Gordian Knot of civilization cut by the sword. For this purpose, we must assume all the risks and labors of freedom. There is no need of knowing whether, by pursuing justice, we shall manage to preserve liberty. It is essential to know that without liberty, we shall achieve nothing and that we shall lose both future justice and ancient beauty. And art unites whereas tyranny separates.

We live in a time of great challenges and uncertainties. The words written here speak volumes about the importance of justice, hope, and the preservation of our values. Man's mortality does not mean we should give up without a fight. We must strive to save what is meaningful in this world, and that begins with ourselves.

The memory of happy moments, like a beautiful sea or a loved one's smile, can be a powerful source of strength in the face of chaos and violence. However, we also recognize that achieving true happiness is not easy and requires time and sacrifice.

The rejection of nihilism and the embrace of hope are crucial steps in creating a better future. We must work hard to develop our spiritual and moral values at a faster pace than the destructive forces of modern technology.

The rebirth of our civilization depends on our willingness to take risks and assume the responsibilities of freedom. We must not be afraid to pursue justice, even if it means sacrificing some of our immediate comforts. Without liberty, all our efforts will be in vain, and we will lose both the promise of a just future and the beauty of our cultural heritage.

Art has the power to unite us, while tyranny only serves to divide. Let us use the power of art and creativity to build a more harmonious and inclusive society. In the end, it is up to each and every one of us to make a difference and shape the world we want to live in.

I have an intense love for Camus. He is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite in the realms of literature, thought, philosophy, and political theory.

His works have had a profound impact on my understanding of the human condition. The way he delves into the themes of absurdity, freedom, and rebellion is truly remarkable.

Camus' writing style is both engaging and thought-provoking. His ideas are presented in a clear and accessible manner, yet they are deep and complex enough to warrant further exploration.

Whether it's in his novels, such as "The Stranger" and "The Plague," or in his essays and philosophical treatises, Camus always manages to capture my attention and make me question my own beliefs and values.

He is a true inspiration, and his works will continue to be relevant and influential for generations to come.

Camus is truly one of my all-time favourite authors. His works have always had a profound impact on me. However, when it comes to this one particular book of his, I have to admit that the formatting did not quite suit my taste.

I'm not really the kind of reader who is overly fond of articles and collections. I much prefer long books that delve deeply into a single point or theme. There's something about the in-depth exploration and the ability to really immerse oneself in a particular idea that I find highly appealing.

But that's just my personal opinion. Despite this minor drawback with the formatting of this one book, I still have an enormous amount of love and respect for Camus's writing style and his intellectual prowess. His words have the power to make me think, to challenge my beliefs, and to open my eyes to new perspectives. I will continue to be a devoted reader of his works, eagerly anticipating each new discovery and insight that his writing has to offer.

This book provided me with a distinct perspective regarding America's impending War on Terror.

It is evident that a significant portion of the issues that the U.S. would come to inherit had their roots in the colonialism practices of the British and French in Africa and the Middle East.

The actions and policies of these colonial powers during that era had far-reaching consequences that would later manifest as complex challenges for the United States.

Understanding this historical context is crucial in comprehending the true nature and magnitude of the War on Terror.

By examining the impact of colonialism, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the various factors that contributed to the emergence of this conflict and the difficulties that the U.S. would face in addressing it.

This book serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the historical background and implications of America's War on Terror.

Camus' description of the French Liberation is truly powerful.

He writes that this "unparalleled night" not only marks the end of four years of a monstrous history and an unspeakable struggle but also represents the night of truth. It is a truth that emerged from the midst of arms and the fray, a truth that was sustained by force after being unprotected for so long. It is the voice of the people and the cannons, wearing the exhausted but triumphal faces of the street fighters.

Camus comes across more as a philosophical journalist. As a leader of la Résistance during the German Occupation of France until its Liberation, he speaks to the human condition. His friendship with René Leynaud, also in the Résistance and assassinated by the Gestapo, is a poignant aspect. I have visited the places where these events took place, like La Place Bellecour and Montluc prison in Lyon. Seeing Leynaud's cell and reading about their deep friendship was astonishing. They both talked of the future after the Liberation, but only Camus got to experience it. This book effectively highlights the oppression the French people endured during the Occupation.

I love reading Camus because of his clarity and optimism. He denies being an existentialist in his essays and, unlike Sartre, believes in the hope of humanity. His words continue to inspire and offer insights into a dark period of history.

Notes to myself...

Letters to a German Friend

P.30
"But at the very moment when I am judging your horrible behavior, I shall remember that you and we started out from the same solitude, that you and we, with all Europe, are caught in the same tragedy of the intelligence. And, despite yourselves, I shall still apply to you the name of man. In order to keep faith with ourselves, we are obliged to respect in you what you do not respect in others."
I find this idea of preserving your humanity by remembering that even the worst enemy is still human extremely vital to progress. It reminds us that we should not let hatred and anger blind us to the fact that we are all part of the same human family.

The Unbeliever and Christians

P. 72
"By what right, moreover, could a Christian or a Marxist accuse me, for example, of pessimism? I was not the one to invent the misery of the human being or the terrifying formulas of divine malediction. I was not the one to shout Nemo bonus or the damnation of un­baptized children. I was not the one who said that man was incapable of saving himself by his own means and that in the depths of his degradation his only hope was in the grace of God."
P.73
"If Chris­tianity is pessimistic as to man, it is optimistic as to human destiny. Well, I can say that, pessimistic as to human destiny, I am optimistic as to man."
"But it is also true that I, and a few others, know what must be done, if not to reduce evil, at least not to add to it. Perhaps we cannot prevent this world from being a world in which children are tortured. But we can reduce the number of tortured children. And if you don't help us, who else in the world can help us do this?"
Camus challenges the accusations of pessimism and argues for the importance of taking action to reduce evil, even if we cannot completely eliminate it.

Why Spain?

P.83
"That is just what I cannot forgive contemporary political society: it is a mechanism for driving men to despair."
"The world I live in is loathsome to me, but I feel one with the men who suffer in it."
"But it seems to me that there is another ambition that ought to belong to all writers: to bear witness and shout aloud, every time it is possible, insofar as our talent allows, for those who are enslaved as we are."
"I shall consistently refuse you the right to question it so long as the murder of a man angers you only when that man shares your ideas."
Camus criticizes contemporary political society and emphasizes the role of writers in bearing witness to the suffering of the oppressed.

Defense of Freedom

P.89
"The society of money and exploitation has never been charged, so far as I know, with assuring the triumph of freedom and justice. Police states have never been suspected of opening schools of law in the cellars where they interrogate their subjects. So, when they oppress and exploit, they are merely doing their job, and whoever blindly entrusts them with the care of freedom has no right to be surprised when she is im­mediately dishonored."
P.91
"From a justifiable and healthy distrust of the way that bourgeois society prostituted freedom, people came to distrust freedom itself. At best, it was postponed to the end of time, with the request that meanwhile it be not talked about. The contention was that we needed justice first and that we would come to freedom later on, as if slaves could ever hope to achieve justice."
P.94
"If someone takes away your bread, he suppresses your freedom at the same time. But if someone takes away your freedom, you may be sure that your bread is threatened, for it de­pends no longer on you and your struggle but on the whim of a master. Poverty increases insofar as freedom retreats throughout the world, and vice versa."
P. 96
"It is true that freedom, when it is made up principally of privileges, insults labor and separates it from culture.
But freedom is not made up principally of privileges; it is made up especially of duties. And the moment each of us tries to give freedom's duties precedence over its privileges, freedom joins together labor and culture and sets in motion the only force that can effectively serve justice."
P.102
"A free press can of course be good or bad, but, most certainly, without freedom it will never be anything but bad."
Camus defends freedom and argues that it is essential for justice and human dignity. He also critiques the ways in which freedom has been misused and misunderstood.

Algeria

P.116
"To justify him­self, each relies on the other's crime."
P.120
"I believe in a policy of reparation in Algeria rather than in a policy of expiation.
Problems must be seen in relation to the future, without endlessly going back over the errors of the past."
P.122
"Our governments already want to make war without calling it by name."
P.124
"In this regard I have tried to define my position clearly. An Algeria made up of federated settlements and linked to France seems to me preferable (without any possible comparison on the plane of simple justice) to an Algeria linked to an empire of Islam which would bring the Arab peoples only increased poverty and suf­fering and which would tear the Algerian-born French from their natural home."
P.125
"we shall all be responsi­ble together, each of us must stand up and declare what he has done and what he has said. This is my declara­tion, to which I shall add nothing."
P.128
"The essential thing is to bring about an easing of the situation, however slight and temporary it may be.
And to achieve that, each of us must preach pacification to his people." - attitude we should have today in our polarized society.
P.129
"We Frenchmen must struggle to keep repression from becoming general so that French law will continue to have a generous and obvious meaning in our country; we must struggle to re­mind our people of their mistakes and of the obligations of a great nation, which cannot, without losing its pres­tige, answer a racial massacre with a similar outburst."
P. 136
"But we Arabs and French who reject mad, nihilistic destruction cannot let this happen without launching a final appeal to reason."
Camus discusses the situation in Algeria and advocates for a policy of reparation and pacification. He also emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and appealing to reason.

Hungary

P.157
"I AM not one of those who long for the Hungarian people to take up arms again in an uprising doomed to be crushed under the eyes of an international society that will spare neither applause nor virtuous tears before returning to their slippers like football en­thusiasts on Saturday evening after a big game."
P 158
"Foreign tanks, police, twenty-year-old girls hanged, committees of workers decapitated and gagged, scaffolds, writers deported and imprisoned, the lying press, camps, censorship, judges arrested, criminals legislating, and the scaffold again-is this socialism, the great celebra­tion of liberty and justice?
No, we have known, we still know this kind of thing; these are the bloody and monotonous rites of the totalitarian religion! Hungarian socialism is in prison or in exile today." - Camus sees that the so called socialist regimes in the East were just totalitarian regimes that have nothing to so with socialism.
P.160
"Contemptuous teachers, unaware that they were thereby insulting the working classes, had assured us that the masses could readily get along without liberty if only they were given bread."
P.168
"We have a right to think that truth with a capital letter is relative. But facts are facts. And whoever says that the sky is blue when it is gray is prostituting words and preparing the way for tyranny."
Camus criticizes the totalitarian regimes in the East and argues that they have nothing to do with socialism. He also emphasizes the importance of truth and freedom.

Reflections on the Guillotine

P.176
"In our well-policed society we recognize that an illness is serious from the fact that we don't dare speak of it di­rectly."
P.198
"Whoever has done me harm must suffer harm;
whoever has put out my eye must lose an eye; and who­ever has killed must die. This is an emotion, and a partic­ularly violent one, not a principle. Retaliation is related to nature and instinct, not to law. Law, by definition, cannot obey the same rules as nature. If murder is in the nature of man, the law is not intended to imitate or re­produce that nature. It is intended to correct it."
P.217
"Compassion does not exclude punishment, but it suspends the final condemnation. Compassion loathes the definitive, irreparable measure that does an injustice to mankind as a whole because of failing to take into ac­count the wretchedness of the common condition."
P.230
"But, let me repeat, I do not believe, nonetheless, that there is no responsibility in this world: and that we must give way to that modern tendency to absolve everything, victim and murderer, in the same confusion. Such purely sentimental confusion is made up of cowardice rather than of generosity and eventually justifies whatever is worst in this world. If you keep on excusing, you eventually give your blessing to the slave camp, to cowardly force, to organized executioners, to the cynicism of great political monsters; you finally hand over your brothers."
Camus reflects on the death penalty and argues that it is a violent and unjust form of punishment. He advocates for a more compassionate and just approach to justice.

Create Dangerously

P.265
"There is no need of determining whether art must flee reality or defer to it, but rather what precise dose of reality the work must take on as ballast to keep from floating up among the clouds or from dragging along the ground with weighted boots."
P.266
"The aim of art, on the contrary, is not to legislate or to reign supreme, but rather to understand first of all."
P.269
"Liberty alone draws men from their isolation; but slavery dominates a crowd of solitudes."
Camus discusses the role of art and emphasizes its importance in understanding the human condition. He also argues that liberty is essential for human freedom and dignity.

The last time I saw him was in Paris in the spring of 1944.

We were never closer to each other than during that last meeting. We had met in a restaurant in Rue Saint-Benoît, and afterward, walking along the quais in beautiful weather, we had spoken at length of the future.

We were in such deep agreement that for the first time I felt an absolute confidence in the future of our country.

Camus writes here of the last time he saw his friend Rene Leynaud who was later murdered by the Nazis.

Camus is one of my favorite authors. There are many well-written passages in this collection too. Most of Camus’ essays are on resistance.

It should be noted that many of the essays seem quite dated. Writing about Algeria, Spain and Hungary in the early ‘50s is a little hard for me to place contextually. But other essays feel like they could be written about our current Trump dystopia.

Here are some passages including this part of a letter that Camus sent to a German friend who joined the Nazi party. It was sent shortly before the liberation of Paris in 1944.

The dawn about to break will mark your final defeat. I know that heaven, which was indifferent to your horrible victories, will be equally indifferent to your just defeat. Even now I expect nothing from heaven. But we shall at least have helped save man from the solitude to which you wanted to relegate him. Because you scorned such faith in mankind, you are the men who, by thousands, are going to die solitary. Now, I can say farewell to you.

Or his essay arguing against the guillotine.

If fear of death is, indeed, a fact, another fact is that such fear, however great it may be, has never sufficed to quell human passions. Bacon is right in saying that there is no passion so weak that it cannot confront and overpower fear of death. Revenge, love, honor, pain, another fear manage to overcome it. How could cupidity, hatred, jealousy fail to do what love of a person or a country, what a passion for freedom manage to do? For centuries the death penalty, often accompanied by barbarous refinements, has been trying to hold crime in check; yet crime persists.

If you like Camus or like humanist writing you will appreciate this book. It truly offers a profound exploration of various themes and emotions.

4 stars.