In “The Myth of Sisyphus” by Albert Camus, the author questions whether a life can be worth living in an ‘absurd world’ composed of perceived truths and relative perceptions of reality. Camus introduces a cynical view on the cycle of human life in which an individual reaches a point of ‘awaking’ in their life where existential questioning is inevitable. Camus describes, “We discover the absurdity of our existence and enter a state of awakening which results in suicide or recovery. Absurdity awakens the consciousness” At this point one becomes conscious of the absurd world surrounding them, which will either result in thoughts of hopelessness or acceptance of the absurd. Camus builds upon this concept and asserts that many exist in a hypocritical state of both accepting the pointless nature of life, while also continuing to live. This concept can be accredited to the constant battle that exists between the physical and mental spirit. The physical spirit within us is strictly opposed to suicide, while the mental spirit, once liberated may easily see no reason to live. This battle between the two life forces points to an interesting evolutionary outcome in which the mind many have become too intelligent to serve its primary purpose of insuring survival. If the mind had the ability to condemn life to absurdity and pointlessness, could it not also create unconditional fascination and joy in every instance? Camus asserts that we move through the motions of life until we begin to question and awaken the consciousness. One could then choose to go down the rabbit hole of contemplating absurdity and meaninglessness or realize the potential of the mind to create a positive false reality, that unites the goals of the body and mind. The author continues to introduce an ironic state of being in which we look forward to the future, bringing us closer to the ultimate fear of death. To look forward to tomorrow or any future event also represents looking forward to moving closer to death. As children we learn to look forward to various stages of life only to realize that it was the time spent thinking of the future that was most valuable. This irony points towards the existential idea of carrying no extra baggage, including thoughts of the past and future. I resonate strongly with this idea that the present moment is always worth undivided attention, because if one is truly present there is little room to question the absurdity of reality. Camus raises multiple interesting concepts, but I ultimately reject the idea that an awaking must result in the acknowledgment of absurdity.
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