169: Albert Camus - 6 Ways To Enjoy Your Life To the Fullest (Philosophy of Absurdism)

Elbele Camus was a French philosopher, writer and Nobel Prize laureate, whose perhaps best known for his contributions to the philosophy of absurdism. According to Camus, the human condition is marked by a fundamental contradiction. On the one hand, we have an innate desire for meaning and purpose in life. But on the other hand, the universe is indifferent to our existence, one of us has no inherent meaning or purpose. For Camus, the only way to confront this contradiction is to embrace the absurd, to accept the inherent meaninglessness of the universe, and to find meaning and purpose in the act of living itself. This doesn't mean giving up on life or resigning oneself to despair, but rather it means actively engaging with the world and finding joy and fulfillment in the present moment. He wrote mainly novels the most notable being The Stranger, The Plague, The Myth of Sisyphus, The Fall and The Rebel. And in this video, we'll talk about six ways to enjoy your life from the philosophy of Elbele Camus. Number one, embrace absurdism. Camus says, "You will never live if you're looking for the meaning of life." Elbele Camus believed that the world is fundamentally meaningless and saw the human condition as one of absurdity, where individuals are constantly seeking meaning and purpose in a world that has none. He believed that the universe is indifferent to human life, and there's no inherent purpose or meaning to our existence. To deal with this absurdism, the meaningless state of our existence, he suggested three ways – suicide, faith, and acceptance. Regarding suicide, Camus believed that the choice to end one's life was the ultimate philosophical question because it dealt with the absurdity of human existence. Camus argued that suicide was not a solution to the meaninglessness of life because it didn't address the problem itself. To end one's life didn't address the meaninglessness of life, but rather avoided it. Camus rejected religious faith as a solution to the problem of meaninglessness. He saw faith as a form of escape from reality and argued that it was based on false promises of an afterlife for divine purpose. However, with acceptance, Camus saw a way for individuals to confront the meaninglessness of the world and find their own meaning in life. He believed that individuals should accept the lack of inherent meaning in the world, rather than trying to impose meaning onto it. For Camus, acceptance didn't mean resignation or passivity, rather it meant acknowledging the inherent limitations of human existence and finding a way to live in the face of these limitations. One example of this can be found in Camus' essay, The Myth of Cicifus, where he describes the Greek myth of Cicifus as a metaphor for the human condition. In The Myth, Cicifus is punished by the gods and forced to push a boulder up a hill only to have it rolled back down again for all of eternity. Camus saw Cicifus as a symbol of the absurdity of human existence, where individuals are constantly striving for a sense of meaning and purpose only to be met with the realization that there is no inherent meaning in the world. However, Camus also saw Cicifus as an example of how individuals can find their own meaning and purpose in life, even in the face of absurdity. He believed that by embracing the struggle of life, by accepting the absurdity of existence, individuals could find a sense of personal fulfillment and purpose. Like Cicifus, individuals can choose to find meaning in the very act of striving rather than in the attainment of a specific goal or outcome. For Cicifus, finding meaning in the very act of striving means accepting his punishment and recognising the absurdity of his existence. He can find purpose and meaning in his struggle against the boulder, despite the fact he will never reach the top of the hill. By embracing his fate and funding joy in the struggle itself, Cicifus can transcend his punishment and find a sense of purpose and fulfilment. In other words, instead of focusing on external markers of success such as becoming a doctor or making a certain amount of money, individuals can find meaning and purpose in the act of striving towards their goals, in the journey rather than the destination. By accepting the meaningless state of existence, individuals can free themselves from the constraints of external forces such as religion or societal norms and take responsibility for their own lives and create their own meaning and purpose in life. And since your life has no inherent meaning but the meaning that you give to it, you can change this meaning at any point. For example, a person who's been working in the corporate world for many years may realise that they have a passion for teaching and want to pursue a career as a teacher. While this may mean taking a significant pay cut and staring at the bottom of a new career ladder, the sense of purpose and fulfilment that comes from pursuing a passion can be far more valuable than a higher salary or a prestigious job title. Ultimately, by accepting that their life has the meaning that they give to it, individuals can find the courage to make changes and pursue their own unique path even if it diverges from societal expectations or their previous plans. This can lead to a sense of enjoyment, fulfilment and purpose that's far more rewarding than living a life defined by external markers of success. Number 2. Embrace the present moment According to Kamu, real generosity towards the future lies in giving all to the present. Kamu argued that life has no inherent meaning or purpose and that all attempts to find meaning or purpose are ultimately futile. Despite this sense of absurdity, Kamu believed that people can still find meaning and purpose in life by embracing the present moment and experiencing the beauty and wonder of the world around them. He believed that embracing the present moment was one of the keys to finding joy and satisfaction in life. He encouraged people to focus on the here and now and to fully experience and appreciate life as it's happening. Kamu believed that too often people are preoccupied with thoughts of the past or future and that this distracts them from fully experiencing the present moment. He argued that this sense of distraction and detachment from the present moment leads to a feeling of dissatisfaction and unhappiness. Instead, Kamu encouraged people to focus on the beauty and wonder of the world around them and to find joy in simple pleasures. He believed that by fully immersing themselves in the present moment, people can experience a deep sense of connection to the world and to profound appreciation for the beauty and richness of life. To follow Kamu's advice on embracing the present moment and finding happiness, one can look for beauty and wonder in your daily life, whether it be in nature, art or other experiences. Take the time to appreciate these things and to fully engage with them. One way to look for beauty and wonder in daily life is to actively seek out new experiences and perspectives. For example, you could try visiting a new park or hiking trail, exploring a museum or art gallery or simply taking a different route to work. Paying attention to your surroundings can help you notice the beauty in nature, such as the changing colour of leaves in the autumn, the pattern of clouds in the sky or the shimmer of sunlight on the water. You can also look for beauty and wonder in the people around you, whether it's a stranger's smile, a child's laughter or a friend's kindness. Engaging in acts of kindness and generosity can help you appreciate the good in the world and find wonder in the relationships you build with others. You can take a moment from your daily routine to meditate or simply sit quietly and observe your thoughts and emotions. By focusing your attention on the present moment, you can begin to see the beauty and wonder in even the most ordinary experiences. By following these steps, you can cultivate a greater appreciation for the present moment and find joy and fulfilment in the face of the inherent meaninglessness of the human condition. Number 3. Cultivate passions and hobbies. Chemo writes, "I derive from the game a pleasure that is at one sensual and abstract, a pleasure that lies less in the sport itself than in the way that it's played." Chemo had a variety of interests and hobbies and believed that having hobbies or other passions was essential to living a fulfilling life. One of Chemo's most well-known hobbies was his love of football. Chemo was a passionate fan of the game and played football himself throughout his life. He enjoyed the physical and sensory aspects of the game, such as the feeling of the ball at his feet or the rush of adrenaline that came with making a successful pass or scoring a goal. He also saw football as a way to connect with the larger rhythms and patterns of life and found pleasure in the camaraderie and teamwork that the game required. In addition to football, Kamu was an avid reader and writer, and he enjoyed exploring new ideas and experiences. He also had a love of music, particularly jazz, and he enjoyed playing the piano and listening to records. Since he saw life as inherently absurd, he suggests passion as the way in which we can rebel against the rigidity of our lives. By embracing simple pleasures, and finding meaning through work, hobbies and other passions, it was possible to live a fulfilling life despite this inherent absurdity. Kamu believed that hobbies could also help to counterbalance the monotony and routine of work, and could offer a way of expressing ourselves creatively and exploring our own individuality. By engaging in activities that bring us joy and satisfaction, we can cultivate a sense of connection with the world and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and value of our existence. Many people in our modern world have demanding work schedules and numerous other responsibilities that can make it challenging to find time for hobbies. However, Kamu believed that individuals should resist the pressures of modern society to conform to certain expectations or to value productivity above or else. In his view, it's important to create space for leisure and enjoyment in life, even if it means going against societal norms or expectations. Even if we have limited time for such pursuits, it's still possible to find ways to incorporate them into our lives, whether through small activities like painting, dancing, reading, gardening or listening to music, or larger commitments like joining a sports team band or taking a class. According to Kamu, the pursuit of hobbies and leisure activities is not a luxury, but rather an essential part of creating a meaningful and fulfilling life. Number 4 - Choose Love To quote Kamu, "Nothing in life is worth turning your back on, if you love it." Albert Kamu emphasises the importance of choosing love in our lives, despite his own complicated experiences with romantic love, Kamu believed that love was the most important aspect of life and should be valued above all else. Kamu recognised that sometimes choosing love may put us in difficult situations where we have to choose between love and other commitments or responsibilities. In these cases, he believed that we should prioritise love and listen to our hearts rather than to any sense of duty or obligation. For example, think of a person who is in a committed relationship but finds themselves falling in love with someone else. In this situation, a person might feel torn between their commitment to their partner and their desire to follow their heart or pursue a new relationship. Kamu would argue that in this situation, it is important to prioritise love and listen to what their heart is telling them, even if it means ending their current relationship. Of course, this is a complex and difficult decision that requires careful consideration and empathy for all parties involved. Kamu was not advocating for reckless or selfish behaviour, but rather for the idea that love should be valued and prioritised in our lives, even if it requires difficult choices or sacrifices. He also believed that it wasn't worth staying in a marriage or relationship where there was no love. Ultimately, the choice between love and other commitments or responsibilities is a deeply personal one that will depend on each individual's unique circumstances and values. But Kamu's emphasis on the importance of love can inspire us to listen to our hearts and to be true to ourselves, even in the face of difficult decisions. According to Kamu, love is also a powerful force that can act as a shield against the absurdity of the world. It's an act of rebellion against the challenges and difficulties of life, and it can provide us with a sense of protection and security in the face of these challenges. Hence, he suggests that we focus on living in the present moment and expressing our love for others more openly and freely. Rather than worrying too much about what the future may hold for our relationships, we should be willing to take risks and make sacrifices in order to follow our hearts and pursue the things we love. For example, if we find ourselves in a situation where we have to choose between our job and a newfound love in a distant country, Kamu would advise us to take a leap of faith and find a way to stay with the person we love. In his view, nothing is more important than following our hearts and embracing the things that bring us joy and fulfilment in life. 5. In the words of Kamu, what gives value to travel is fear. It breaks down a kind of inner structure we have. One can no longer cheat, hide or retreat. One can no longer rely on little obsessions to keep going. Kamu wrote extensively about travel in his works. He believed that travel could be a transformative experience, allowing individuals to break free from the routine and monotony of everyday life and gain new perspectives on the world. For Kamu, travel was a way to confront oneself and one's limitations, to push oneself out of one's comfort zone and experience the unknown. He saw travel as a way to embrace the absurdity of life and to find meaning in it. Kamu saw travel as a way to expand one's understanding of the world and oneself, to break down barriers and discover new truths. He believed that travel could be a powerful force for personal growth and enlightenment. However, he also believed that travel could have negative side effects on individuals. On the one hand, travel can be enriching, providing new experiences, perspectives and opportunities for personal growth. On the other hand, travel can also be disorienting, leading to feelings of alienation, disconnection, and loneliness. To counteract the negative side effects of travel, Kamu recommends several strategies. First, he emphasized the importance of maintaining a sense of routine and structure whilst travelling. This could include sticking to regular meal times, exercise routines or daily rituals. Second, Kamu encouraged travelers to seek out connections with others. This could involve striking up conversations with locals, attending social events or gatherings or joining a tour or group activity. Finally, Kamu advised travelers to be mindful of their own mental and emotional states. This might involve taking time for quiet reflection, meditation or journaling or seeking out professional support if needed. Kamu believed that the key to successful travel is finding a balance between novelty and familiarity, exploring new environments while also staying grounded in one's own sense of self and routine. For him, travel was an essential component of living a fulfilling life, as it's not just about visiting new places or having fun, but also about engaging with the world in a meaningful way. Overall, Kamu's philosophy emphasizes the importance of finding meaning and balance in life, which can be applied to the modern concept of work-life balance. 6. Connect with Others In our final quote from Albert Kamu for this video, he says, "There's no question of heroism in all this. It's a matter of common decency. That's an idea which may make some people smile, but the only means of fighting a plague is common decency." This quote highlights Kamu's belief that the connections between people are essential to our survival and well-being, particularly in times of crisis. He argues that heroism is not necessary to make a positive impact on the world, rather it's through simple acts of kindness and decency that we can make a difference. He believed that our connections with others give our lives meaning and purpose. In his essay The Myth of Sisyphus, he writes about how human beings are always searching for meaning and purpose and how this search is ultimately fulfilled by connecting with others. He believed that human beings are fundamentally social creatures and that we need to connect with others in order to fully experience the richness of life. He encouraged people to form deep, meaningful connections with others, particularly close friendships, and to cultivate a sense of community and belonging. In our fast-paced world, we often don't have time for long conversations or deep connections. We may be too busy with work or other responsibilities to make time for meaningful interactions with friends and family. Also, while technology has made it easier to connect with people all over the world, it's also made it easier for us to isolate ourselves. We may spend hours scrolling through social media feeds or watching videos on our phones rather than engaging with the people around us. Many people today move frequently for work or other reasons which can make it difficult to establish long-term relationships in a given community. All of these factors contribute to a sense of life. loneliness and disconnection, even when we're surrounded by people. It's vital for us to recognise the importance of human connection and make an effort to prioritise it in our lives. For Kamu, connecting with others was a critical aspect of living a fulfilling and meaningful life. He believed that there were several ways in which we could do this. The first engage in meaningful conversations. Kamu saw a conversation as a way of connecting with others and exploring new ideas. He believed that we should engage in conversations with others, listen to their perspectives and share our own thoughts and feelings. Secondly, we should participate in community events. Kamu believed that participating in community events was a way of connecting with others and building a sense of belonging. Whether it be attending a local festival, a community service project or a political rally, he saw these events as opportunities to engage with others and contribute to a shared cause. Thirdly, one can practice empathy and compassion. Kamu believed that empathy and compassion were key to connecting with others. By understanding and caring about the struggles and experiences of others, we can build deeper connections and foster a sense of shared humanity. Fourth and finally, share in the joys and sorrows of others. Kamu believed that sharing in the joys and sorrows of others was a way of connecting with them and building a sense of solidarity. Whether it be celebrating a friend's accomplishment or supporting someone through a difficult time, he saw these moments as opportunities to deepen our connections with others. Overall, Kamu believed that connecting with others was a fundamental aspect of living a fulfilling and meaningful life. By engaging with the world around us, participating in our communities and practicing empathy and compassion, we can build deeper connections and find joy and purpose in all our lives. If you enjoyed this video, please make sure to check out our full Philosophies for Life playlist and for more videos to help you find success and happiness using ancient philosophical wisdom, don't forget to subscribe. Thanks so much for watching.