oter

Camus rejects suicide as solution to absurdity from "summary" of THE MYTH OF SISYPHUS by ALBERT CARNUS

In the face of the absurd, some may be tempted to seek refuge in the ultimate escape - suicide. This act of taking one's own life is seen by many as a way to free oneself from the seemingly meaningless and irrational nature of existence. However, Albert Camus stands firm in his rejection of suicide as a valid solution to the absurdity of the world. Camus argues that suicide is a cowardly response to the absurdity of life. It is an act of giving up, of admitting defeat in the face of a reality that lacks inherent meaning. By choosing to end one's life, one is essentially avoiding the challenge of confronting the absurd and finding a way to live with it. Furthermore, Camus believes that suicide is a hasty decision made out of despair. He acknowledges that life is full of suffering and hardship, but he urges individuals to resist the urge to succumb to despair. Instead of seeking a permanent escape through death, Camus encourages individuals to embrace the struggle and find meaning in the very act of living. For Camus, the true heroic act is not to end one's life, but to continue living in spite of the absurdity of the world. He introduces the figure of Sisyphus, condemned to roll a boulder up a hill only to watch it roll back down for eternity. Despite the futility of his task, Sisyphus persists in his efforts, finding meaning and purpose in the struggle itself. In this light, Camus advocates for a life lived with full awareness of the absurdity of existence. He suggests that embracing the absurd can lead to a sense of freedom and empowerment, as one becomes the master of their own destiny. By rejecting suicide as an escape, individuals can affirm their existence and create their own meaning in a world devoid of inherent purpose.
    oter

    THE MYTH OF SISYPHUS

    ALBERT CARNUS

    Open in app
    Now you can listen to your microbooks on-the-go. Download the Oter App on your mobile device and continue making progress towards your goals, no matter where you are.