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jiajiajia 's review for:
The Stranger
by Albert Camus
Absurdism: Absurdism is the philosophical theory that the universe is irrational and meaningless. It suggests that the search for meaning inevitably leads people into conflict with a seemingly indifferent world.
This book introduces the philosophy of absurdism, and in my opinion, it does a good job at it especially considering how challenging it is to write about meaninglessness or the idea of not caring.
Meanwhile I’ve been seeing TikTok videos promoting this philosophy as if it were a magic solution to life’s struggles like, “Are you struggling with overthinking and caring too much? Just stop caring and embrace absurdism!” However, this book showed me that absurdism is not as simple as TikTok makes it out to be; that portrayal simply romanticizes the idea.
In this story, we see the dark side of absurdism: because Meursault did not care to do things he did not stand for such as pretending to feel remorse or faking emotions to gain sympathy, as his lawyer demanded- he ended up with a death penalty. Even though he didn’t truly intend to commit the murder for which he went to prison, it seemed that people wanted him to die not because of the murder itself, but because his beliefs didn’t align with theirs and they found that unacceptable.
I initially loved this philosophy- the opening sentence really resonated with me and felt almost relatable, until I reached the part where Meursault associated with his neighbor, who was abusing his mistress. He even helped him write a letter to lure her in, solely for the neighbor to hit her again. Obviously, the police were on her side when they arrived. I found that entire part of the book disturbing; when he testified against her in court, it made him an unlikable character for me and showed that meaninglessness is not always admirable.
I believe he didn’t truly mean to kill that Arab man, instead it happened almost by accident, as if he lost his mind for a few seconds. However, what makes him seem guilty is that he never tried to prove his innocence to others because he simply did not see any purpose in doing so.
To me, it’s very interesting that absurdism defines itself with the idea that “trying to find meaning leads people into conflict” yet it is Meursault(the guy who never sought meaning)who ends up in conflict.
Overall, this was a good read; it provoked many interesting thoughts in me, and I predict it will continue to do so in the near future. It’s the kind of book that sticks with you.
7/10
This book introduces the philosophy of absurdism, and in my opinion, it does a good job at it especially considering how challenging it is to write about meaninglessness or the idea of not caring.
Meanwhile I’ve been seeing TikTok videos promoting this philosophy as if it were a magic solution to life’s struggles like, “Are you struggling with overthinking and caring too much? Just stop caring and embrace absurdism!” However, this book showed me that absurdism is not as simple as TikTok makes it out to be; that portrayal simply romanticizes the idea.
In this story, we see the dark side of absurdism: because Meursault did not care to do things he did not stand for such as pretending to feel remorse or faking emotions to gain sympathy, as his lawyer demanded- he ended up with a death penalty. Even though he didn’t truly intend to commit the murder for which he went to prison, it seemed that people wanted him to die not because of the murder itself, but because his beliefs didn’t align with theirs and they found that unacceptable.
I initially loved this philosophy- the opening sentence really resonated with me and felt almost relatable, until I reached the part where Meursault associated with his neighbor, who was abusing his mistress. He even helped him write a letter to lure her in, solely for the neighbor to hit her again. Obviously, the police were on her side when they arrived. I found that entire part of the book disturbing; when he testified against her in court, it made him an unlikable character for me and showed that meaninglessness is not always admirable.
I believe he didn’t truly mean to kill that Arab man, instead it happened almost by accident, as if he lost his mind for a few seconds. However, what makes him seem guilty is that he never tried to prove his innocence to others because he simply did not see any purpose in doing so.
To me, it’s very interesting that absurdism defines itself with the idea that “trying to find meaning leads people into conflict” yet it is Meursault(the guy who never sought meaning)who ends up in conflict.
Overall, this was a good read; it provoked many interesting thoughts in me, and I predict it will continue to do so in the near future. It’s the kind of book that sticks with you.
7/10