Introduction: Why Are We Here?

Ever found yourself stuck in the mundane loop of daily life, wondering why you work so hard, only to realize it all seems to lead nowhere? You’re not alone! Many of us wrestle with these existential "why" questions: Why do we wake up, work all day, and rinse and repeat, given life’s finite nature? Albert Camus, the French philosopher, captured this feeling perfectly when he described a rhythm of existence filled with streetcars, office hours, mundane meals, and endless weekdays. And yet, as Camus so eloquently put it, sometimes “the why arises,” breaking our routine and forcing us to face these unsettling questions.

In a world that increasingly drifts away from religion and predefined meanings, Camus’s philosophy of absurdism might just offer us a guide on how to live happily—even when life seems devoid of meaning.

The Myth of Sisyphus: What Does It Teach Us?

Camus found inspiration in Greek mythology—specifically, the story of Sisyphus. Condemned by the gods, Sisyphus was sentenced to roll an enormous boulder up a hill, only to have it roll back down every single time he neared the summit. A futile and never-ending task, right? This is where the term “Sisyphean” originates, symbolizing tasks that are both laborious and pointless.

However, Camus offered a refreshing interpretation in his essay The Myth of Sisyphus (《薛西弗斯的神话》 in Chinese). Rather than pitying Sisyphus, Camus envisioned him as an absurd hero: someone who embraces his meaningless struggle, finds happiness in it, and defies despair. 💡

In Camus’s words: “One must imagine Sisyphus happy.”

The Clash of Absurdism and Nihilism

Here’s the turning point: Why didn’t Camus succumb to nihilism—the belief that life has no value, meaning, or purpose?

Camus rejected nihilism entirely. He recognized that when religion fades, and when science provides no ultimate answers to existential questions, many people fall into a void characterized by depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. Nietzsche even warned about this in the 19th century, famously declaring: “God is dead, and we have killed him.”

For Camus, though, absurdism is the solution. Life may lack inherent meaning—yes, it’s chaotic and indifferent—but that doesn’t mean we must despair! Instead of surrendering, we can consciously choose defiance and resilience, finding joy in the struggle itself. 🚀

Living Happily Without Meaning: The Absurd Hero

What does it mean to embrace life’s absurdity? According to Camus, the realization that life has no ultimate meaning paradoxically leads to freedom. Without a final purpose or divine plan to abide by, we are free to write our own story.

It’s easy to draw parallels between Sisyphus and our own lives. Think of the 9-to-5 grind. Each day feels eerily similar, with moments of monotony sprinkled with fleeting highs. Yet, by recognizing the futility of dwelling on life’s lack of meaning, we can focus on the act of living itself. The reward isn’t in reaching the summit of life—but in choosing to climb, laugh, and create purpose along the way. 🎨✨

Three Paths to Confront the Absurd

Camus identified three ways we can confront the absurdity of existence:

1. Philosophical Suicide: This involves adopting blind faith, ideology, or religion to escape life’s absurdity. Camus discouraged this route, calling it a surrender of free will.
2. Literal Escape: Suicide, as Camus argued, doesn’t solve any existential dilemma but instead robs you of the opportunity to confront life courageously.
3. Acceptance and Rebellion: The path of absurdism—accepting life’s meaninglessness while defying its limitations through action, experimentation, and joyful living.

Practice Absurdism in Real Life: Actionable Takeaways

Let’s break down practical ways you can bring Camus’s philosophy to life:

1. Start that Side Hustle: Always wanted to run an Etsy store? Why not? Take risks without obsessing about failure because, in Camus’s terms, failure itself is an absurd yet beautiful experience.
2. Stop Overthinking Others’ Opinions: Want to quit your job or wear something unconventional? Who cares? Embrace the “so what?” mindset.
3. Build Moments of Joy: Whether it’s cooking your favorite meal or heading to that quirky new café, focus on daily actions over waiting for a grand “purpose” to appear.

For book lovers like me, a little hack I’ve picked up is using MyBookDigest, an audiobook summary platform. Getting bite-sized daily knowledge about philosophy or motivational strategies has completely revolutionized how I spend my downtime. With more than 500 professional book summaries, it’s a 15-minute gateway to life-changing ideas (and perfect for moments when I feel my own “Sisyphean struggle” needs an intellectual boost 😉).

Limitations of Absurdism: When “Who Cares?” Isn’t Enough

Ah, but here’s the catch. Camus’s philosophy, while liberating, also risks being seen as too detached. What happens when the novelty of not caring begins to wear off? Humans, by nature, crave deeper connection, community, and existential grounding.

Sure, “who cares?” works for small risks like trying a new hobby. But when it comes to complex questions about morality, death, or purpose, we might still find ourselves searching and longing for something beyond personal freedom.

Camus challenges us to strike a balance: Use absurdism as a tool to confront meaningless moments, but don’t ignore opportunities to explore faith, relationships, or even philosophical frameworks that bring clarity to the chaos.

Conclusion: Creating Your Own Meaning

So what can we learn from Camus, Nietzsche, and even the gods of Greek mythology? Life’s greatest struggle isn’t about finding meaning out there—it’s about creating meaning within. Whether you find solace in philosophy, faith, or merely the act of pushing your personal “boulder” forward every day, the goal is to keep going.

Absurdism teaches us that while the universe may remain silent, we don’t have to be. Like Sisyphus, imagine yourself happy in the act of living—knowing that the climb, the laughter, and the experiments are worth it. Because if there’s one thing the absurd invites us to cherish, it’s the chaotic beauty of simply being alive.