Remembering Albert Camus

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With author Albert Camus’ birthday being November 7, it seemed like a perfect time to reflect on the life (and impact) of this influential writer and philosopher. Camus’ most well-known philosophical contribution was his concept of “the absurd” – a term he used to describe the tension between humans desire for both meaning and the meaningless, indifferent universe they inhabit. He argued that while life has no inherent meaning, people must still find ways to live fully… a feeling that perhaps a few American citizens are feeling this week and need reminding of.

Born in 1913 in Mondovi, Algeria, Camus grew up in a rather modest household. His father died in World War I, leaving his mother alone to raise Albert under tough conditions. Despite these challenges, Camus excelled in school, eventually studying philosophy at the University of Algiers. Camus lived through some of the most intense periods of the 20th century. His early life, his experiences during World War II, and particularly his involvement with the French Resistance and his role as editor of the underground newspaper Combat, shaped his views on justice and human dignity and is almost tangible in some of his work.

In 1942, Camus published The Stranger, a novel that explores the idea mentioned above of “the absurd”—the confliction between our desire for meaning in life and the uncaring world around us. He delved deep into this theme in The Myth of Sisyphus, an essay that challenges us to confront life’s uncertainties with resilience and courage. Camus didn’t stop there… his novels The Plague and The Fall continued to explore human nature and morality, earning him widespread recognition. In 1957, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming one of the youngest recipients of the prestigious award at the age of 44. Unfortunately, he died in a car accident just two short years later.

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Personally, I believe that what makes Camus’ work so powerful is its timeless relevance. His intense focus on existential themes and the human condition resonates even today… some might say particularly today. His work shows a commitment to principles like freedom, justice, and integrity that continues to inspire readers across generations. Camus encourages us to find meaning in life through our actions, our choices, and our connections with others… even when the world seems indifferent. As we mark what would be his 111th birthday, we honor Albert Camus not just for his literary genius, but for his message about what it means to live a meaningful life in a complicated world.

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