#471
Mentioned in 57 episodes

The Myth of Sisyphus

Book • 1942
In 'The Myth of Sisyphus', Albert Camus delves into the concept of the absurd, which arises from the conflict between humanity's desire for meaning and the apparent indifference of the universe.

Camus argues that this absurdity does not justify suicide but rather requires a revolt against it.

He introduces Sisyphus, a figure from Greek mythology condemned to eternally push a boulder up a mountain only for it to roll back down, as the ideal absurd hero.

Camus suggests that Sisyphus's acceptance of his fate and his continued effort to push the boulder up the mountain, despite its futility, exemplify the human condition and the possibility of finding happiness in the face of absurdity.

The essay also discusses other examples of absurd lives and includes an appendix on the works of Franz Kafka.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 57 episodes

Recommended by
undefined
Edwin Chen
, who finds the final chapter to be particularly inspiring.
1,580 snips
The 100-person AI lab that became Anthropic and Google's secret weapon | Edwin Chen (Surge AI)
Mentioned by
undefined
Alex O'Connor
as an example of a book where Camus mentions examples of some philosophers who rode a tract and then killed himself in order to like bring attention to his work.
1,013 snips
#1012 - Alex O’Connor & Joe Folley - Is Being Smart Worth the Depression?
Mentioned by
undefined
Stephen West
to illustrate Camus's approach to philosophy through images.
407 snips
Episode #225 ... Albert Camus - The Plague
Mentioned by
undefined
Ryan Holiday
as a philosopher who found joy in simple things, illustrating the Stoic concept of finding meaning in everyday life.
259 snips
If You Want A Reason To Live Pt. II | 12 Stoic Choices To LEVEL UP Your Life TODAY
Mentioned by
undefined
Anne Rowe
in the obituary of Nuno Loreu, as an essay that Loreu was especially keen on, relating it to aiming for the heights despite repeated failures.
211 snips
Shah caller: Iran’s protests are different this time
Mentioned by
undefined
Stephen West
while discussing his philosophical project and the themes of lucidity, solidarity, and rebellion.
199 snips
Episode #228 ... Albert Camus - Kafka and The Fall
Mentioned by
undefined
Lex Fridman
and
undefined
Sean Kelly
;
undefined
Sean Kelly
discusses Camus's essay "The Myth of Sisyphus" and its exploration of suicide and the absurd.
190 snips
#227 – Sean Kelly: Existentialism, Nihilism, and the Search for Meaning
Mentioned by
undefined
Brett McKay
in relation to the concept of despair and existential boredom.
177 snips
A Cure for Existential Boredom
Mentioned by
undefined
David Sparks
as an influential book from his high school years about embracing life.
145 snips
247: Getting Intentional, with Chris Bailey
Mentioned by
undefined
Ben Thomas
as the book that introduced him to existential philosophy.
112 snips
#124 Sisyphus 55 - So You're Having an Existential Crisis
Mentioned by
undefined
Lex Fridman
at the end of the podcast.
76 snips
#253 – Michael Malice: New Year’s Special
Recommended by
undefined
Sequoia Kennedy
as a book exploring the concept of absurdity and the human condition.
55 snips
72 - CCRU, Hyperstition, Nick Land, Accelerationism, and the Lemurian Time War
Mentioned by
undefined
Ryan Holiday
, referencing Camus's famous existential question about suicide versus coffee.
49 snips
Christina Pazsitzky On Teaching Comedians Philosophy
Mentioned by
undefined
Clem Delangue
as a source of inspiration applicable to entrepreneurship.
46 snips
China, Robotics, & Open-Source AI | Clem Delangue
Mentioned by
undefined
Robert Harrison
as the focus of the podcast episode.
45 snips
Jean-Marie Apostolidès on Albert Camus
Mentioned by
undefined
Anne Rowe
, discussing Nuno Loureiro's fondness for it and how it inspired his approach to plasma physics.
44 snips
Shah caller: Iran’s protests are different this time
Mentioned by
undefined
Dylan O'Sullivan
as something he goes back to all the time, specifically the essay.
41 snips
The Power of Story: Fiction vs Non-Fiction
Mentioned by
undefined
Jack Symes
as a highly recommended author.
39 snips
#2193 - Jack Symes
Mentioned by
undefined
Sean Illing
in relation to his philosophical views on suicide and the absurdity of life.
35 snips
The case for not killing yourself
Mentioned by
undefined
Forrest Hanson
as an essay that outlines absurdism and explains why one should care about unfair games.
26 snips
Against Nonchalance: How to Embrace Caring in 2026

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app