The Myth of Sisyphus

An essay by Albert Camus that explores the concept of the absurd, a central theme in Camus' philosophy. In this work, Camus takes the ancient Greek myth of Sisyphus, a king condemned to endlessly roll a boulder up a hill only for it to roll back down each time as a punishment for trying to escape death – which serves as a metaphor for the human condition. Camus uses the story of Sisyphus to illustrate the absurdity of human existence. He argues that life's lack of ultimate meaning is a fundamental paradox that humans cannot escape. Despite this, rather than resigning himself to nihilism or despair, Sisyphus becomes a symbol of defiance. Camus suggests that the recognition of the absurd does not lead to despair, but rather to freedom. By embracing the absurdity of life and continuing to live despite it, Sisyphus transcends his punishment, as the novel ends with, "One must imagine Sisyphus happy". Camus dives in the larger existential struggle that humans face: how to reconcile our yearning for meaning with a universe that does not provide it. Camus challenges the traditional philosophical responses, such as religious faith or nihilism, suggesting instead that we must accept the absurdity of life and find meaning within the struggle itself. This theme of embracing life's meaninglessness while continuing to live fully is a cornerstone of Camus' philosophy of the absurd.