TED-Ed: Is life meaningless? And other absurd questions | Nina Medvinskaya

Albert Camus, influenced by his violent upbringing in Algeria and the chaos of war, developed a philosophy centered on the absurdity of life. He rejected existentialism, proposing instead that humans share a common nature and should seek meaning despite life's inherent futility. His novel 'The Stranger' explores these themes through the character Meursault, who embodies detachment and alienation. Camus argued against suicide as a response to life's meaninglessness, advocating for embracing freedom. His essay on Sisyphus illustrates humanity's struggle with futility. Camus' later works, including 'The Rebel', focus on creative rebellion over violence. His untimely death left his cycle of love unfinished, but his ideas continue to inspire.

What message does Camus convey through the myth of Sisyphus?

How did Camus' ideas about rebellion differ from those of other existentialists?

What impact did Camus' work have on literature and philosophy in the 20th century?