Camus and Sisyphus

By Shariq Ali
Valueversity

Note:
“Albert Camus was a renowned French philosopher and author. In his writings, he often explored the absurdity of human life and the helplessness tied to it. In his essay The Myth of Sisyphus, he uses the Greek mythological figure Sisyphus as a metaphor. Sisyphus was condemned by the gods to repeatedly roll a boulder up a mountain, only for it to roll back down once it reached the top. Through this metaphor, Camus questions the meaning of continuous human struggle and whether it holds any significance.”

We’ve been wandering in this valley for who knows how long. All around us, large boulders are scattered.
I am not alone here. In fact, more than six billion individuals are spread out across this valley, roaming between these rocks. In front of us is a towering mountain — the mountain of life. Something is inscribed on these boulders. Let’s take a closer look. Each boulder has different words engraved on it: material success, fame, wealth, and love.

Each of us must choose one heavy boulder, whichever it may be. Then we must hoist it onto our shoulders and begin the ascent up the mountain of life, aiming for its peak. But once we reach the summit, the boulder will tumble down again from our shoulders, rolling back to the valley below. And then we will have to pick it up once more and start climbing the mountain of life all over again.

We are all Sisyphus, condemned by unknown gods. Our only freedom and rebellion lie in the fact that we can choose our own boulder. We can find meaning in the continuous struggle of climbing the mountain of life.

I have chosen my boulder. On it is inscribed “Love” — love for life and love for humanity!

Have you chosen your boulder?

Whether tomorrow’s Camus writes the story of Sisyphus again or not, the hardship or ease of our punishment is tied to our choices.

With the heavy boulder of love on my shoulders, I begin this journey.

Bon voyage!