The Myth of Sisyphus

The formatting and some misspelling and small omissions can get alittle annoying but it's a solid compilation of essays for a good price on kindle

There generally is an opinion that early twentieth century French Philosophy, particularly Existentialism, promotes a negative, unhappy existence that should be just put up with until one dies. This couldn't be further from the truth, and a wonderful introduction to French Existentialism, and to its positive message is Albert Camus' The Myth of Sisyphus.Camus promotes a very particular definition of The Absurd and this is the crux of his essay. The Absurd is neither a particular thing in reality, a judgement of reality, or a perspective of human thinking. The Absurd is that which arises when an individual becomes aware of the limits of his expectations to either understand the world or fulfill his goals of any notion of the Absolute (God, Truth, Freedom, Love). This is not a case for pessimism or renunciation. This is not a case for misery. Camus is attempting to express the sheer strength of one's being to face his natural limits and the worlds lack of intentionality or consideration for us. We, by nature are Rational creatures, hence we see the world Rationally and look for meaning and predictability to put are fears aside and to no longer feel like strangers in the World. But the world is not Rational, but Non-Rational, and eventually are expectations and pursuits will run into the wall of disappointment. the question is, once we realize that lack of ability to ever be certain, how will we respond?A great example Camus puts forth as an example of an Absurd person is the famous fictional character Don Quixote. Don Quixote loves many women, not one. He travels from place to place, ever searching, ever failing. Some may interpret him as a womanizer, as a fraud, as a man without morals or intent. They could be right. but, if Camus' interpretation is taken seriously, and is true, not only is Don Quixote a man with morals, he has the utmost moral character and is not a fraud. The Absurd person is one that CONSTANTLY fails to achieve absolute goals because they DO NOT EXIST. But, he has to be continuously reminded of this, as The Absurd comes into existence when a person becomes consciously aware, and this awareness only arises AFTER someone pursues an impossible goal, runs into that wall, and realizes his failure. Don Quixote is not a charlatan or womanizer but a man who truly loves. He continuously pursues that Ultimate Love that exists only in his mind. But, when he recognizes his failure, he doesn't fall to pieces and cry, he doesn't lose his head. He smiles and says, "Of course it isn't, how silly!" and continues on with his life.Camus begins the essay saying that the first, most important philosophical question is suicide. Without ultimate meaning, without an absolute Truth, why not end it all now? But, you see, there is still joy, there is still laughter, there is still art and beauty, there is still positive action and good conversation, there is delicious food and wonderful wine, and there is, as Don Quixote knows, another woman to love. Life does not lose is appeal because of the loss of the Ultimate.In fact, it earns its appeal for the first time.Camus' philosophy taps into and actually revives issues about meaning, life and honesty with one's situation that have been discussed since ancient times that overlaps the Ancient Greeks, the Stoics, and Buddhism. He is not some rebellious French philosopher with a quirky obsession with death, but is, in fact, a man consumed by life and all that it holds.

Albert Camus was a French existentialist philosopher of the 20th century who was highly intelligent and wrote some fantastic books in his time.The Myth of Sisyphus is obviously a classic in philosophical literature and in my opinion this work is one of the most thought provoking books in recent times. The books theme heavily revolves around this quote from Camus:"There is but only one truly serious philosophical problem, and that is suicide. Judging whether life is or is not worth living amounts to answering the fundamental question of philosophy."Albert Camus contended one must rebel against the logical conclusion on an existential and practical basis. This makes a lot of sense in a universe where philosophical naturalism is presupposed to be true, therefore he was honest that it was impossible to live as if moral nihilism was true. It would mean that one could only accept personal concerns for matters but no longer be able to argue for any rightness or wrongness about any significant matters due to the fact that one could not account for values or meaning beyond one's only subjective account. This is a case where prudential value and moral value come into conflict.This quote also has much relevance with respect to the book:"Hence the intelligence...tells me in its way that this world is absurd. Its contrary, blind reason, may well claim that all is clear...But despite so many pretentious centuries and over the heads of so many eloquent and persuasive men, I know that is false"Absurdity is a topic that is touched upon in this book. Albert Camus goes into this subject of absurdity and speaks about Sisyphus who is known in Greek mythology as someone who lived a life that entailed pointless meaning, as he was subject to endlessly repeating the steps of rolling a boulder up a hill, only to see it roll down again. This essay concludes with statements in respect to the absurdity of man finding his purpose, meaning and unity in life. Albert Camus finishes with what he perceives is the best way to handle this outcome, and that is through `revolt'.

Of you are a writer or any kind of artist, read this, especially the ending.I don't get it all right away but it is something to go back to throughout life.

The writings of Camus are always insightful and interesting. This collection of essays is no exception. I thought I’d provide some pertinent information that one might consider when purchasing a used copy of a book such as this. Many books by Camus are required reading in Philosophy college courses. According to the standards followed by sellers and sanctioned by Amazon, a used item sold by a used book seller that is listed as being in “Good” condition “may not include companion materials, some shelf wear, may contain highlighting/notes, may not include cd-rom or access codes.” I have purchased four books of collections of essays listed as being in “Good condition “ written by Camus in the last month and all but one of them has had underlining throughout the book. The copy of this book I received that was listed in “Good” condition had this issue. If people are not aware that this is a possibility, then Amazon should allow customers to point this possibility out to others. People have a right to make informed decisions before they purchase an item on the Amazon Marketplace.

This is very good effort from Camus in trying to systematize his absurd view of reality, previously explored in a less direct way in "The Stranger". The main essay, "The Myth of Sisyphus", opens with a discussion of what should be, in his view, the real philosophical question: should we commit suicide in a world devoid of true meaning, where death will eventually make all human effort irrelevant? He opens this essay by exposing the problems posed by the absurd condition of men, that is, that it behaves as if he is immortal and life has a meaning in a universe that doesn’t seem to have one. Then he explores how other philosophers and literary works have dealt with this question and finishes with his mythological interpretation of such predicament: the eponymous myth of Sisyphus, a man condemned by the gods to roll a boulder uphill to eternity, never finishing his task.The book also includes five short essays on themes like the passage of time, the changes in perspective as one ages, and the paradox created by the average citizens living intensely in a “hopeless” country like his native Algeria (as a Brazilian this rang a bell). The last essay, "The Artist and his time", Camus positions himself in the political debate of the age, with a very critical view of the stance of the artists of his time in pursing political agendas and supporting the oppressive soviet regimes in name of a “higher good” (a focus on an “ideal men” rather than the “real men”, as he puts it).Regarding his interpretation of the absurd and his answer to it, I largely agree with his take on how we should approach life given its inherent lack of absolute meaning, but I wonder how much my agreement derives from the coherence of his arguments and how much they simply agree with my previously held views. One should rebel against our “condition”, according to Camus, by living life to its fullest and not squandering the limited time we have, making our own values and meaning of life (Sisyphus being condemned to roll the boulder uphill but not to suffer while doing it). This, in a sense, is what truly allows us to be “free”, rather than having a predefined meaning to life. The problem, he argues, is that most people would rather sacrifice freedom for meaning or “immortality” (thus the famous concept of humanity being “condemned to freedom”).My criticism of this book is concerning the exposition of others’ ideas by Camus. Every segment he seeks to explain the interpretation of others gets dull and confusing, in part maybe due to the arid aspect of such themes. While I loved "The Stranger" and liked this book overall, with its explanations of the concepts mixed with literary criticism and fictionalized segments, I prefer the “Camus author” than the “Camus philosophy professor” if indeed they can be separated.

This is a review for this particular edition of the book, not its content. Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays by Grapevine Publishers includes Myth of Sisyphus and 5 other essays by Albert Camus. I bought the book without knowing which other essays would be included. I couldn't find the information anywhere.The 5 other essays included are - Summer in Algiers, The Minotaur or the Stop in Oran, Helen's Exile, Return to Tipasa, and The Artist and His Time. These are the same essays included in the Penguin Modern Classics edition (ISBN-13 : ‎978-0141182001). The translation is also the same as in the Penguin (by Justin O' Brian). What's missing is the Introduction and the notes (which are included on the pages in the Penguin edition). The formatting isn't that great in the Grapevine edition and the spacing is a little congested. The Grapevine edition is cheaper.So overall, if one doesn't mind the non-inclusion of the introduction and notes, this is a good alternative to the Penguin Modern Classics version. And also to the Penguin Great Ideas ideas edition (ISBN-13 : ‎978-0141023991), which is cheaper than the Modern Classics version and only includes the Myth of Sisyphus and notes, but doesn't include the introduction or the other essays.

This isn't a comment on the book itself, just a warning: Don't bother with this Kindle version. It's rife with typos, random additional words and formatting errors, makes for an unpleasant reading experience.

Bought the kindle version but formatting is really bad.

When faced with the silence and indifference of the universe, its up to oneself to define what a meaningful life is.