There generally is an opinion that early twentieth century French Philosophy, particularly Existentialism, promotes a negative, unhappy existence that should be just put up with until one dies. This couldn't be further from the truth, and a wonderful introduction to French Existentialism, and to its positive message is Albert Camus' The Myth of Sisyphus.
Camus promotes a very particular definition of The Absurd and this is the crux of his essay. The Absurd is neither a particular thing in reality, a judgement of reality, or a perspective of human thinking. The Absurd is that which arises when an individual becomes aware of the limits of his expectations to either understand the world or fulfill his goals of any notion of the Absolute (God, Truth, Freedom, Love). This is not a case for pessimism or renunciation. This is not a case for misery. Camus is attempting to express the sheer strength of one's being to face his natural limits and the worlds lack of intentionality or consideration for us. We, by nature are Rational creatures, hence we see the world Rationally and look for meaning and predictability to put are fears aside and to no longer feel like strangers in the World. But the world is not Rational, but Non-Rational, and eventually are expectations and pursuits will run into the wall of disappointment. the question is, once we realize that lack of ability to ever be certain, how will we respond?
A great example Camus puts forth as an example of an Absurd person is the famous fictional character Don Quixote. Don Quixote loves many women, not one. He travels from place to place, ever searching, ever failing. Some may interpret him as a womanizer, as a fraud, as a man without morals or intent. They could be right. but, if Camus' interpretation is taken seriously, and is true, not only is Don Quixote a man with morals, he has the utmost moral character and is not a fraud. The Absurd person is one that CONSTANTLY fails to achieve absolute goals because they DO NOT EXIST. But, he has to be continuously reminded of this, as The Absurd comes into existence when a person becomes consciously aware, and this awareness only arises AFTER someone pursues an impossible goal, runs into that wall, and realizes his failure. Don Quixote is not a charlatan or womanizer but a man who truly loves. He continuously pursues that Ultimate Love that exists only in his mind. But, when he recognizes his failure, he doesn't fall to pieces and cry, he doesn't lose his head. He smiles and says, "Of course it isn't, how silly!" and continues on with his life.
Camus begins the essay saying that the first, most important philosophical question is suicide. Without ultimate meaning, without an absolute Truth, why not end it all now? But, you see, there is still joy, there is still laughter, there is still art and beauty, there is still positive action and good conversation, there is delicious food and wonderful wine, and there is, as Don Quixote knows, another woman to love. Life does not lose is appeal because of the loss of the Ultimate.In fact, it earns its appeal for the first time.
Camus' philosophy taps into and actually revives issues about meaning, life and honesty with one's situation that have been discussed since ancient times that overlaps the Ancient Greeks, the Stoics, and Buddhism. He is not some rebellious French philosopher with a quirky obsession with death, but is, in fact, a man consumed by life and all that it holds.
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