AI Says...
Albert Camus, a major 20th-century philosopher and writer, built his thought around the concept of the absurd, which he defines as the irreconcilable conflict between humanity's desire to find meaning in life and the silent indifference of the universe. For Camus, the absurd should neither be denied nor conquered but accepted as an essential condition of existence. “To live is to make the absurd live,” he says, an invitation to embrace the illusion of meaning while continuing to act with intensity and commitment.
Though the absurd may seem depressing, it is, in reality, a source of great freedom. Rejecting the illusion of an ultimate meaning does not mean giving up on life. Instead, it invites a joyful lucidity and the creation of personal meanings. Now, let us consider your interpretation: the absurd as "an assumed illusion." This idea enriches Camus’ vision by emphasizing that the absurd, far from being a mere burden, is a construct we consciously accept to structure our lives.
Let’s explore how this perspective manifests in concrete situations.
1. Politics: The Absurdity of Power and Ideology
In politics, the absurd reveals itself in the relentless pursuit of a perfect system or ideology capable of solving all human problems. Revolutions, utopias, or conflicts are often fueled by illusions of progress or universal justice. Yet history shows that every regime, no matter how idealistic, brings its share of contradictions, injustices, and disillusionment.
Accepting the absurd in politics means acknowledging that perfect solutions do not exist. This does not imply succumbing to cynicism but rather acting for concrete change with humility. For instance, an environmental activist may work to mitigate the damage of climate change while knowing the planet will never be “saved” definitively.
2. Relationships: The Absurdity of Love and Commitment
Love is perhaps one of the most beautiful paradoxes of the absurd. We seek in others a sense of completeness or meaning in our lives, even though we are all separate beings, unknowable in our entirety. Promises of eternity or perfect fusion in a relationship are a magnificent illusion.
To embrace the absurd in love is to love without trying to possess the other or fill an existential void. For example, in marriage, it is absurd to believe that a partner will always meet our expectations or share our visions 100%. However, by accepting this limitation, partners can build an authentic bond based on lucidity rather than illusion.
3. Money: The Absurdity of Material Pursuit
Money is a powerful illusion: it promises comfort, freedom, and even happiness. Yet beyond a certain point, accumulating wealth serves no vital need. The relentless pursuit of more money becomes absurd: we devote our lives to a means (money) while forgetting the end (living fully).
Accepting this absurdity means using money as a tool without making it an obsession. For instance, an entrepreneur may build a thriving business while understanding that financial success will not bring eternal happiness. They may also invest in experiences, relationships, or projects with social impact.
4. Family Life: The Absurdity of Expectations and Sacrifices
Raising children illustrates another facet of the absurd. Parents pour infinite love and energy into their children, hoping they will “become someone” or fulfill ideals they themselves hold. Yet children grow up with their own personalities and choices, often diverging radically from parental expectations.
Accepting the absurd here means loving children for who they are rather than who they might become. It also involves accepting that, despite all efforts, there is no recipe for perfect parenting. We simply do our best.
5. Life with Oneself: The Absurdity of the Search for Meaning
Finally, the absurd manifests in our inner dialogue. We often seek to define ourselves, give meaning to our actions, or find our “place” in the world. Yet life offers no guarantees of coherence or total fulfillment. Each achievement may seem insignificant when faced with the infinite.
To accept the absurd with oneself is to let go of this relentless quest for justification. This allows us to savor every moment, every small victory, as an end in itself. For example, a writer may write simply for the pleasure of creating, without worrying about recognition or posterity.
Conclusion: A Liberating Illusion
Viewing the absurd as an assumed illusion is to acknowledge that we need illusions to structure our lives while accepting their artificial nature. Far from making us passive, this lucidity can make us more alive and free. As Camus writes in The Myth of Sisyphus, “One must imagine Sisyphus happy”: aware of the absurdity of his fate, yet finding a form of joy in his very effort.
In a life marked by the absurd, the goal is not to find absolute meaning but to create moments of beauty, connection, and engagement that make the illusion bearable—and even magnificent.
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