Progressing in the adult absurd world requires constant calibration. Calibration between meaning and meaninglessness, ambition and resignation. That is, you need to create your own meaning and show up every day and push yourself. However, both of these things, despite the realization that the world is inherently meaningless and your reemerging desire to retreat from the tough journey.
This is one case where the young have an advantage. They are generally more optimistic and happy. But the source of their optimism and joy is ignorance. This is a perfect example of how ignorance can sometimes beat knowledge.
And if you are happy and optimistic – even if you are not young, nor consider yourself ignorant.
The absurdism philosophy is probably a topic you want to avoid – the main course of this article.
Not so much because it will steal away your joyful moments. But because it will highlight how futile what you smile about is.
So, a note of caution before you proceed…
Very few people will keep their optimistic view after reading about what is absurdism – a.k.a., the Albert Camus philosophy.
If you don’t want to lose your edge. I suggest we part ways here. There are other things you can consume online.
Still here?
Great! I love your enthusiasm for doom and gloom.
What we are about to explore is a philosophical explanation of the bold statement: Life is absurd!
I will explain what is absurdism. What is the absurdism philosophy? Why is it called the Albert Camus philosophy? And more importantly, how to avoid ending in despair in our absurd world.
What is Absurdism in Simple Words?
The absurdism philosophy highlights the contrast between the desire of humans to find meaning and the cold, indifferent response of the world.
Our efforts to find meaning in a meaningless word constantly fail because no such grand meaning exists – thus, the absurd.
In the modern world, we can explain this as a person looking for a NeuroLinker – a highly advanced brain-computer interface device that seamlessly connects the human brain to external technologies for information exchange.
While this apparatus doesn’t exist. The modern person who is infected by the 21st-century disease of instant gratification relentlessly searches for the tool that he imagines will bring him ultimately happiness. And yet, moving from store to store, the only thing he finds is rejection – “There is no such thing as NeuroLinker, dude!”
In this grand theater of the absurd world, we march forth, searching for reason and meaning. But the only thing we find is an unreasonable place that cannot comply with our desires for significance.
The philosophy of absurdism does not only suggest that there is no meaning now. Rather, it means that there wasn’t, and there won’t ever be, meaning in the world as a whole from a universal point of view.
Hey there, sorry to interrupt…
Since you’ve come this far, it seems that you are passionate about pursuing depth over distraction. I am too! And while what I’m about to say next probably won’t quite excite you, I have to say it…
Look, this is members-only content.
(Already a member? You can sign in using this link, here.)
See, I digest acres of complex ideas from various resources and morph my findings into straight-to-the-point book summaries, thought-provoking articles, and practical courses. The main goal is not only to help you understand the underlying concepts from badass ideas. But, also, to help you stay curious, inspired, and well-educated. Above all, though, I want to help you transition from a passive online consumer to an active, mindful go-getter with a sense of purpose.
By becoming a Premium Member, you’ll unlock a well-curated online selection of book summaries, articles, and courses that aim to move you in the right direction. Learn more here.
- Camus, A. The Myth of Sisyphus, trans. O’Brien, Justin (Harmondsworth: Penguin Books, 1975). Available at: Google Scholar
- Stoyles, B. (2012). PHILOSOPHICAL SUICIDE. Think, 11(30), 73-84. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1477175611000376
- Pölzler, Thomas (2014). Absurdism as Self-Help: Resolving an Essential Inconsistency in Camus’ Early Philosophy. Journal of Camus Studies 2014:91-102. Available at: https://philpapers.org/rec/PLZAAS
