The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus
And Other Essays
This book is a philosophical essay that explores the concept of absurdity, and how individuals should respond to life's inherent meaninglessness. It posits that life is essentially absurd due to the conflict between our desire for understanding and the chaotic, indifferent universe. The author argues that the only proper response to this absurdity is to live life to its fullest, embracing and rebelling against the absurdity, rather than resorting to suicide or turning to religion or philosophy for false comfort. The story of Sisyphus, condemned to eternally roll a boulder up a hill only for it to roll back down, is used as a metaphor for the human condition.
The 408th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1942
- Nationality
- French
- Length
- Very Short
- Pages
- 90-160
- Original Language
- French
- Avg User Rating
-
(3.8)
- Alternate Titles
-
- De Mythe Van Sisyphus
- Der Mythos Von Sisyphos. Ein Versuch über Das Absurde.
- Der Mythos des Sisyphos
- Der Mythos von Sisyphos
- El Mito de Sísifo
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This book is on the following 8 lists:
- 36th on The 100 Best Non-Fiction Books of the Century (National Review)
- 42nd on The 100 Best Books from 1900 to the Present (Yedioth Ahronoth)
- 318th on Our Users' Honorable Mention Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- 100 Best Non-Fiction Books (in Translation) of the 20th Century … and Beyond (Counterpunch)
- 72 Philosophy Books Everyone Should Read (The Institute of Art and Ideas)
- Harenberg Buch der 1000 Bücher (Harenberg Buch der 1000 Bücher)
- The Bigger Read List (English PEN)
- The Hundred Most Influential Books Since The War (WW2) (Central and East European Publishing Project)