The World's Best Book Summaries
What are the arguments for fate vs. free will? Are humans capable of choosing their own destiny? Philosophers have been debating fate vs. free will for centuries. Some believe that people’s lives and choices are predetermined, while others believe that humans are responsible for their own actions. While there’s still not a definitive answer, you should take a look at the below arguments about fate vs. free will to come to a conclusion yourself.
Why is faith important? What can spirituality do that nothing else can? Chasing career achievements, wealth, and prestige isn’t completely satisfying. The older you get, the more that’s true. Arthur Brooks advises that, as you age, you should dedicate yourself to life success—in other words, living a well-rounded life full of contentment and love. Faith, he says, is a major part of this. Keep reading to discover the difference that a belief in something greater can make in your life.
What’s Albert Camus’s philosophy? Why does he think that life is worth living—despite its absurdity? In his 1942 essay The Myth of Sisyphus, Albert Camus describes his philosophy of the absurd. In spite of life’s absurdity, he believes that we should continue to live and try to derive as much fulfillment as we can from our brief existence. Continue reading for an overview of this classic work.
Why don’t all existentialist philosophers embrace absurdism? What do they advocate instead? Existentialist philosopher Albert Camus contends that life is absurd. But, according to his fellow existentialists Fyodor Dostoyevsky and Søren Kierkegaard, absurdism should be rejected; there’s a better way to face life. Keep reading to learn Camus’s argument, the counterarguments by other philosophers, and Camus’s rebuttals.
How did people react to Albert Camus’s philosophy of the absurd? Why did some think that suicide seemed like a reasonable response? According to Albert Camus, suicide isn’t the answer. In The Myth of Sisyphus, Camus draws on existentialist theory to argue that humans are doomed to an absurd condition. He asserts that, rather than surrendering to this belief via suicide, you should derive fulfillment from your brief existence. Continue reading to learn more about Camus’s views on suicide in the context of the absurd.
Does it ever feel like life is just, well, ridiculous? What does Albert Camus mean by absurdity? According to Albert Camus, absurdity defines our lives. He observes that we search for meaning and purpose and ask huge questions about our existence. But, for all our searching and asking, we come up with just beliefs, theories, and hopes—and always come up short of certainty. Read more to learn about Camus’s philosophy of the absurd.
Why did Albert Camus use Sisyphus as his primary model for absurdism? Why did Camus consider Sisyphus to be fulfilled in life? In his definitive philosophical essay The Myth of Sisyphus, Albert Camus argues that human existence is fundamentally absurd. This is because the human drive for purpose and meaning is at odds with the reality that death is inevitable and humanity is cosmically insignificant. Read more to learn about the figure of Sisyphus and other examples of absurdism from Camus and elsewhere.
What’s the meaning of life? Why does Albert Camus think that’s a ridiculous question to ask? The existentialist philosopher Albert Camus believes that, ultimately, life is absurd. We search in vain for meaning and purpose because it’s impossible to find them. He says we can choose to live in denial of this reality, end our own lives, or accept the absurd reality we inhabit. Keep reading to learn why Camus believes we should embrace the absurd.
What does Albert Camus regard as the limits of his knowledge? What does he believe is “the most urgent of questions”? In his 1942 essay The Myth of Sisyphus, philosopher Albert Camus describes his theory of the absurd. Both a feeling and a condition of existence, the absurd describes the irreparable tension between the human desire for meaning and purpose in life—and the inevitability of oblivion and death. Continue reading for The Myth of Sisyphus quotes that will have you thinking like a philosopher.
Is string theory correct? Is it even possible to find out whether it is or not? In The God Equation, theoretical physicist Michio Kaku suggests that string theory might be the path to uniting all the different laws of nature. But, many scientists reject string theory as a piece of mathematical sleight-of-hand. Read more to learn about the fascinating debate surrounding string theory.