The Myth of Sisyphus

Is life worth living? If life does not possess any significance when confronted with the reality of human existence, is suicide our only alternative? In the essay, Camus introduces the readers to his philosophy of the absurd where man’s futile search for meaning, unity and clarity is questioned. The author states that to realize the reason for our existence, we need to break the norms of normalcy and revolt. During the course of the book, Camus outlines numerous approaches to the absurd life. The author compares the absurdity of human life with the situation of Sisyphus, a Greek mythological figure who was condemned to forever repeat a meaningless task of pushing a boulder up a mountain only to see it roll down again.

In a very engaging and interesting manner, the author states that humans should embrace the absurd. By embracing the absurd, it means that we accept all the unreasonable things that the world has to offer. Camus arrives at three consequences from the full acknowledgement of the absurd, revolt, freedom and passion. How then should the absurd man live? What is the purpose of life? Is suicide the answer to all the problems in life? Through a philosophical series of questioning, this book truly depicts life in a unique and refreshing manner. The book is for all those people who are interested in the philosophy of existentialism, this book will truly engage the readers till the last page.