ABSTRACT
One of my favorite pieces of writing is an essay by French existentialist Albert Camus called “The Myth of Sisyphus.” Camus argues humanity’s fate is similar to that of Sisyphus, the figure in Greek mythology that is punished by the gods to push a giant boulder up a hill for all eternity. Every time he pushes the boulder near the top, it rolls back down and he must start all over again. Camus argues our efforts to find meaning in a sometimes meaningless and chaotic world often end in failure. But Camus doesn’t think that’s reason for despair. We can find meaning in the struggle. We can invest ourselves in moving forward, onward and upward. Our efforts may not have universal meaning. But they can provide meaning to ourselves. Yes, it’s difficult. Yes, it’s frustrating when we are beset on all sides by obstacles. But continuing to fight and move forward, in resistance to apathy and nihilism, is worth it.
