#124 Sisyphus 55 - So You're Having an Existential Crisis

Written in 1931 and published in 1932, 'Brave New World' is a dystopian novel set in a futuristic World State where humans are bred in vitro and predestined into a rigid social hierarchy. The novel explores themes of technological advancement, social conditioning, and the loss of individuality and freedom. The story revolves around characters such as Bernard Marx, an Alpha who questions the society, Mustapha Mond, the World Controller, and John, a 'Savage' from a reservation who introduces elements of emotion and individuality into the highly controlled World State. The novel critiques the optimism of technological progress and its potential to create a society that values stability and happiness over humanity and freedom.

The Nicomachean Ethics is Aristotle's most renowned work on ethics, focusing on the science of the good for human life. The text is divided into ten books and discusses the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as 'happiness' or 'flourishing,' which is achieved through living a virtuous life. Aristotle argues that eudaimonia is an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue, emphasizing the importance of reason, moral virtues, and the pursuit of excellence. The work also explores the division of the soul, the role of rationality in human life, and the ultimate goal of human activity, which is to achieve happiness through virtuous actions and a complete life.

A Happy Death, written by Albert Camus between 1936 and 1938, is a philosophical novel that delves into the themes of happiness, mortality, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. The story follows Patrice Mersault, a young man who seeks to create his own happiness by unconventional means. The novel was published posthumously in 1971 and serves as a precursor to Camus's more famous work, 'The Stranger'.

In 'The Fall', Albert Camus explores themes of guilt, judgment, and the human condition through the narrative of Jean-Baptiste Clamence. Clamence, a self-proclaimed 'judge-penitent', recounts his life as a successful but hypocritical lawyer in Paris. His story is marked by a pivotal event where he failed to act when a woman jumped to her death from a bridge, leading to a deep sense of guilt and existential despair. Through his monologues, Clamence delves into the complexities of human nature, the inevitability of judgment, and the universal guilt that underlies human existence. The novel is set against the backdrop of Amsterdam and reflects on the broader implications of World War II and the Holocaust, inviting readers to confront their own moral failings and the inherent hypocrisy in human behavior.

In 'The Rebel', Albert Camus delves into the nature of rebellion and revolution, exploring their motivations, historical developments, and philosophical implications. The book discusses how rebellion stems from a human rejection of normative justice and the absurdity of the world. Camus distinguishes between true and false freedom, critiques various historical and intellectual figures such as the Marquis de Sade and Friedrich Nietzsche, and analyzes the French Revolution and other revolutionary movements. He argues that while rebellion gives life its value and is a constant confrontation between man and his own obscurity, it often leads to totalitarianism and oppression if not tempered by moral and metaphysical limitations. The book emphasizes the importance of maintaining individual freedom and solidarity in the face of rebellion and revolution.

The Upanishads are a collection of ancient Indian philosophical and spiritual texts that form part of the Vedas. They explore the nature of reality, consciousness, and the self. The Upanishads are known for their profound insights into the relationship between the individual self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). They emphasize the importance of self-knowledge and meditation as paths to liberation. The Upanishads have had a profound impact on Indian philosophy and spirituality and have influenced various other spiritual traditions. They remain a significant source of wisdom for those seeking to understand the deeper dimensions of human existence and the universe.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, between 1942 and 1945. He describes the inhumane conditions and the psychological and emotional struggles of the prisoners. The second part introduces Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which posits that the primary human drive is the search for meaning, rather than pleasure. Frankl argues that meaning can be found through three main avenues: work (doing something significant), love (caring for another), and suffering (finding meaning in one's own suffering). The book emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life, even in the most adverse conditions, as a key factor in survival and personal growth.

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.

In 'The Outsider,' Colin Wilson examines the psyche of the Outsider through the lives and works of various literary and cultural figures such as Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre, Ernest Hemingway, Hermann Hesse, and Fyodor Dostoyevsky. The book delves into the Outsider's experience of dislocation and his struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that seems devoid of it. Wilson argues that the Outsider is a metaphysical man who seeks a transcending meaning and purpose for human existence, often feeling isolated and disconnected from society. The book is both a study of the Outsider's predicament and an impassioned call for a new form of existentialism that could provide a satisfying and objective religious understanding of life.