LINKS AND CORRECTIONS: If you want to work with an experienced study coach teaching maths, philosophy, and study skills then book your session at josephfolleytutoring@gmail.com. Previous clients include students at the University of Cambridge and the LSE. Support me on Patreon here: patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?Link& Sign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7
"Judge Penitent"... "Jordan Peterson"... come on now. This is some endgame revelation shyte. Hyperstitious Aptonyms of this potency just hit a fine conspiratorial note of Epecurean sophistication, it pairs wonderfully w fine Cheese. See Thoth 🃏Hierophant🗝
Please I would love to hear your thoughts on a book called lectures on faith by Joseph Smith. Not that it's a deeply hard book but I'm curious about what your thoughts would be. It's short. Please
I’d like to mention that the mini stories within Camus characters reminds me of Junji Itos horror mangas especially Uzumaki. Instead of having some sort of fight against existential crises, it is simply giving up… going down into a spiral of depression and so forth.
Camus died in a car accident. In one of his pockets was a train ticket for the train he was supposed to take. In the other pocket a copy of the gay science of Nietzsche!
I think it was 1957 that A. Camus was nominated for the Nobel prize and he was going toe to toe with N. Kazantzakis Finally Camus won. Kazantzakis sent him a letter to congratulate him stating that it was the French who deserved the prize. A few days later Kazantzakis died. One day Camus wrote to Kazantzakis' widow saying that it was the Greek author /philosopher who actually deserved it and not him. A few days later, Camus was killed in a car crash.
Great video. It's quite amusing that plenty of high-brow types want to look down on Camus as just a writer, not a "real" philosopher. But the older I get, the more I appreciate his ideas, and his ability to be both ruthless in confronting the absurd realities of the world, but in a compassionate manner.
@@volkoff6357Nah, his compassion is his meaning. Midcentury existentialism (Camus, Sartre) was not nihilism, it basically arrived at 'create your own meaning' and yes, had alot of connection to aburdism and surrealism.
If I might take a crack at the question of what to do when faced with the uncomfortable truths outlined in this writing, I would say to grieve. Mourn the suffering associated with these truths, grow in compassion for oneself and others, and walk the path with those just starting to become aware. From one internet stranger to another, I hope you have peace
I had an existential crisis several years ago that I am still struggling with. It's like waking up at a sleepover, but no one else will wake up with you. Not only did I struggle handling this "enlightended state" for lack of a better term but I struggled with the fact that I was alone and surrounded but those caught in the false fairytale of reality. After wide swings of personality and beliefs, I am as close to inner peace as Ive been in a long time. I will never be who I was but I am a much better person now that Ive gone through the agony of it.
@talldarkhansome1 you will find your way. My grasp of reality, morals, and the things I thought made me myself were all shaken to their deepest core. feelings I long thought were dead came back, and I had to slowly process it. Don't allow anxiety or panic to creep in if that's happening to you. I did, and it was a major setback. Don't fight the process. Lean into it. You are by nature programed to run from "danger," but running from something like this does more damage than good. Let the emotions flow, try to understand and learn why this has triggered, question the things you have been told and seek answers, talk about your feelings with someone, let go of the past, practice mediation, remove addictions, read philosophy. On paper, it sounds so easy, but I know it's the most difficult thing a person can possibly go through. Good luck. Highly recommend looking into philosophy.
@@khaoulamadani1223 Oh I did not. I am pointing what you decided to do which was not what you said in your initial comment. Which also reveals you weren't here for what is said, likely. And which also says what kind of a person you are - Fake. Try jumping on other RUclipsr's Philosophy.
@unknowninfinium4353 what a piity Mr how much ur concerned with solving the humanity problems . That you forget how to be respectful knowing the the only way to hide ur imperfections and ur inability is by claiming to see the hidden insight of people . Stop wasting my time and Don't be so miserable and put another comment down here .
Very nice commentary! When confronted by his work, I think it helps to remember the time period in which Camus was writing. The Stranger came out in 1942, The Plague in 1947, and The Fall in 1956, times when the traumas of World War 2 were either ongoing or still very fresh. Humanity found out some pretty terrible things about itself in those years, and the French had their own particular demons to wrestle -- sometimes, the demons won. I think then that Clemance perhaps can be taken on some level to be France, or even mankind itself, living in the shadow of its own revealed monstrousness, without much clue as to what to do about it. But time would march on from there and it still moves us steadily forward. As we emerge from the postmodern period, we have an opportunity to emerge from the absurd, if only we will take it.
This channel is such a gem. A hobby (?) of mine is not only widening my vocabulary, but learning ways to take a concept and repackage it for whomever my audience is, and so I like studying others’ vocab, cadence, analogies etc. Sam Harris has been a huge inspiration (among other reasons) for me and someone I find it pleasing and useful to emulate. Anyhow, you’re a master at turning thoughts into words. Love your work bro. Let’s get to a million!
Something interesting to look at more closely would be this guy's hand movements while he is speaking. He seems to make different hand movements - up/down, sideways, open hands / closed hands, hands toward the viewer / away from the viewer, one hand / both hands - according to the kind of sentence he is saying, the content of the sentence, the mode, etc. It's quite interesting to look at, because it signals a lot to the viewer subconsciously
Yikes. I had an existential crisis about 8 years ago and it ruined about 5 years of my life. I completely flipped. Took me a very long time to come back to a middle ground and find clarity. It’s remarkable or unremarkable how similar my story is to this man’s and I’m assuming many millions/billions of people throughout history who have gone through the same thing. It is unnerving how closely I relate to this character.
The root of it is pride (which has MANY different disguises: intellectual, social, economic, sanguine, choleric, melancholic, phlegmatic, superiority, independence, ambition, spiritual vanity, naturalism, cynical, pharisaical, timidity, scrupulosity, etc, etc). MANY, MANY people fall into the trap of one of these, but it’s all simply rooted back to pride. All these ‘midlife crises’ and ‘falls’ are when you are lucky enough (and not die for your mistakes) to get metaphorically smashed in the teeth for your attempt to bend reality to your ‘pride’, and you’re left lying on the ground, but still able to get up and have a chance to redeem yourself. And there is only one correct path against the most ancient enemy in human nature.
@@P46430 The issue was rooted in ignorance and arrogance, which I now recognize as my pride. I didn't find the right path immediately. Instead, I overcompensated and swung to the opposite extreme, becoming a completely different person. This drastic change led to paranoia, fear, antisocial behavior, and intense anxiety. I experienced daily panic attacks for a week and then continued to suffer from them frequently. It felt like I was in a constant state of free fall. This culminated in a horrific car crash caused by sleep issues, nearly resulting in my death. The police even told my parents that I was DOA (they werent suppose to say this from what I know) I survived but was left handicapped. Four years ago, this incident pushed me into therapy, which, along with medication, helped me return to a more balanced state. In retrospect, I realize my actions and feelings were blown out of proportion. What I perceived as horrendous wasn't as bad as I made it out to be. My guilt over minor rudeness felt like murder, which is something I'd never actually commit. It was a terrible period, and I wish it had never happened. I could have gotten there slower with therapy (which I was already going prior but not as extensive) and overtime figured out how I wanted to behave and found my normal without the horrific years after the incident
@@katieandnick4113 I understand why it's often called a "midlife crisis," but my experience felt far more intense and disruptive than what that term usually implies. It wasn't just a phase; it was a complete upheaval of my identity and mental health. The severity of my panic attacks, paranoia, and the resulting car crash went well beyond what I imagined a "midlife crisis" to be. Therapy and medication were crucial in helping me find stability again
The myth of Sisyphus was the first of his writings I read and the first sentence left me shocked for about an hour before I could go on to read the rest. After that i read the Stranger which I also greatly enjoyed. He has a fine pen.
Walking home from work at midnight in a thunderstorm, I came upon a snail, trucking across the foot path with admirable determination. A few yards ahead I passed a dead cat, lain out on the pavement with a look of pain melted upon her face. These are the unrelated coincidences that I find most distressing. The utter senselessness of the snail's struggle through a short, slow life. The cat's sudden meeting with finality. My own inconvenience amidst it all. I've always appreciated Camus as much as I resent the sensibility of absurdism.
Poor cat.. sounds like it may not have had a home or someone who cared about it.. Always be kind to them, so many don't even have access to reliable food or shelter, let alone medical care You could be the world to them And go snail, I bet he made it across 😸
I’ve been binge watching your videos whenever I have free time, the way you express yourself and share stories is addictive. Wish you nothing but the best
As a Christian listening to your video essay, I find your analysis thoroughly engaging not only because of Camus' mis-framing of what Christians should believe and how they approach other, but how people who do not have faith behave when they start to encounter the true nature of humanity. Bravo good sir...bravo.
As I'm sure you misframe the beliefs of other Christians. You are too staunch in your beliefs, brother, the specifics of which are the result of geographical happenstance.
i WANT to be a good christain.. probmarly so i dont roast in hell for all eternity i used to want to be a good person becuase right thing to do and not just becuase hell and heaven but then seeinh how TERRABLE hell is i dont awnt to roast there and thats my number 1 priority but idk how to love the very one threataning me eternity in hell then say a cat or even fake waifu both which do NOT threatan me with eternal hell.
@@NightmareRex6 All I can suggest is you read the Gospels especially Matthew. The Beautitudes as well as the sermon on the mount reveal the real nature of God. Morally perfect, gracious, forgiving and righteous. We can access his divine love and grace through Jesus. Also pray to God to reveal Himself. You may be surprised by what God works through your life. Good luck and godbless.
@@unsolicitedadvice9198 for real thank you, these videos create great opportunities. I'm always watching and rewatching them for the way it gets me thinking in a way that's hard to just make yourself do. Unrelated I think that the meaningless world of Camu and it's absurdity is a man-made creation born of an undoing of Michael Polanyi's subsidiary-focal integration, like writing a word so many times it loses its meaning and looks wrong
It is a great pleasure to watch your videos on RUclips. One can learn a lot from them in a short amount of time. Besides, they are entertaining. You are a brilliant young man.
24:48 the poor guy… so close to understanding nihilism, yet so wrapped up in the idea that opinions matter. Everything is but a fleeting interaction that only has meaning at the time but yet leaves a solid foundation that influences every future interaction. Every interaction does not happen in isolation but is a dance between multiple things. The interaction ripples out new interactions that are also meaningless without context, but also form the foundation of future interactions.
You are doing a good service on these presentations. It was very profound when you posed the question, "so what do we do with this?" That in itself indicates you have the ability to look beyond yourself. I sincerely believe Camus would be pleased you are presenting his work. Be well! MarkMannM2
As someone who himself has apparently followed this route down to an almost identical level in all of the accounts, I can very much attest that this is very much true.
I don't know enough about narcissism. I was under the impression that they could not become self-aware. I remember watching a video about it, where the psychologist says, a narcissist isn't able to ask themselves, "Am I a narcissist?" Someone school me. Maybe I misinterpreted.
@@keithdrummond1003 Well good on your for accepting the potential you could be wrong, helps when trying to get the bigger picture or elaboration. Second, in what I've found it's that a narcissist can definitely be capable of self reflection, and when they're self aware and see the signs, it can make a person think. I'll also note not all narcissists are gonna be like you'd imagine by the stereotype, since from what I've gathered there's two types. The ones that are possessive and controlling of others, and the ones that don't want to but want to be made to feel important because they appear to be on the bottom rung. The second one is more like... a miserable narcissist that lacks self esteem
It's amazing how at the core we are almost all the same. You often think the feelings, emotions and worldviews you have are unique to yourself but the more I read philosophy the more I realise we are all fundamentally the same. To fully know oneself is to fully know all of humanity.
I've been in a perpetual state of existential crisis and utter dread of life for as long as I can remember being alive. Every "meaning" or "purpose" to life that I find always seems like it's perfect in the moment, and I devote myself to the study of it and learn everything I can about it to prove to others and myself that it's perfect. But it always falls apart, either because it's ripped away from me, I learn that it's not perfect, or in the case of Christianity, even if it is logically perfect, it's just completely unnatural in every way. So I realize that there isn't any great, ultimate, singular universal meaning to anything or myself, but I don't know how to cope with that realization. Because with that realization, comes the parallel realization that there's no real reason why I shouldn't kill myself. And people always say "You don't need a reason to enjoy life, just enjoy it for the sake of enjoying it because you're here" but I've never once felt truly content or happy with anything. I genuinely hate humanity as a whole, and anytime I enjoy something that's happening or something that I'm doing, it's swiftly replaced with the fact that my enjoyment is also completely meaningless, which then completely decimates the sense of enjoyment. I just don't know how to enjoy something that doesn't have a reason or a meaning, including life itself.
For what it's worth: I believe you (that is, you personally) need more time to understand and develop your own philosophy for life. No philosophy anyone tells you will be 100% perfect for you, because all of us are seeing things through our own lens. Take our views into consideration, but understand your own view has value. For me, nature and meditation have given me the perspective I need to be content (and even excited) about the insanity of our existence. I've embraced the incomprehensibility of it. I wish you well, whatever that means.
Echoing the thoughtful reply of @Aelffwynn, meditation can be extremely helpful. This breath and this moment is all there is. I haven't been doing it and I've been lost and adrift...but I remember. Time to get back to it. It's so deceptively simple; it's easy to scoff about it: who has the time to just "sit"? How will this pay my bills or get my laundry done or help me find meaningful relationships? I think we all have 15 minutes (many do 11 minutes 🤷🏻) to give it a shot. Wishing you all the best. 💚
Why does it have to have a meaning? I think we all create our own meaning. I also think genuine connection to others is key to a happy and “meaningful” life. Unfortunately some of us aren’t able to connect deeply or even at all with others. And also most people are rank hypocrites.
Realising that there is no inherent meaning in the world was, and continues to be, the most freeing experience I ever had. If nothing matters, then nothing I do matters. It removed all of the external pressure I had put on myself, and let me realise that the meaning life has to me is what I choose to give it. I choose to care what my family and friends think of me. I choose to dress nicely and behave well, so strangers on the street think well of me, even though I kinow they probably don't think of me at all, and that it doesn't really matter if they do or don't. I choose what I think is right or wrong, and if I'll behave accordingly. I choose what I value, I choose what I want, I choose what to believe and how to think and how to feel. An existential crisis is the best thing that can happen to someone if they go all the way through it, and the only way to really leave childhood innocence behind.
@@rubengomezmartinez5969 No. You only can choose that murder is "alright" for you (if you are an insane human, and live with the consequences). But your personal opinion is no general law, no one can choose what is "alright" generally. The OP chooses the right thing even if he does not believe in an inherent meaning - this alone shows that there is an inherent moral compass in a sane human.
@@alena-qu9vj yes, I agree with you, but still there needs to be a sense of right or wrong for a society to function, the law by itself is just paper and you could make the argument that "well why should I abide to this law? It was written by humans no better than me, why do I have to follow their rules? I'm not saying that this can by itself push people to murder or crime, but society needs something that says what is inherently wrong and right, something that is in nature above them to question, perhaps no religion is true or maybe 1 or 2 are true or maybe all are true for all I know but i think they provide something essential to society, a clear way to explain why something is right or wrong Edit: calligraphy, sorry not my first language
@@rubengomezmartinez5969 I am not saying that there is no "supreme law - which is not of this world". But you cannot force anybody or even a society to abide by it, one of the reasons being every human or society interprets it differently. Moreover, religion is not a police force, and has to be accepted willingly and of one's own accord - in contrast to the secular law. You are living in and of a specific society, and you has to abide by its laws or you have to suffer the consequences - your choice, quite simple.
I just recently discovered your channel and I cannot wait for you to upload a new video . Thank you for all of this . I myself am new in philosophy in any aspect of it and find all your videos fascinating and interesting .
This book is phenomenal I remember reading it in high school and I thought- that’s me. I’ve been struggling with existential crisis most of my life, becoming depressed and self aware was certainly not a good thing. I would say a feeling of meaningless is like holding a branch of the tree while there’s a terrible wind outside. You wait for the branch to break but it never happens so it just carries you from side to side until you don’t have the strength to hold it any more and you merely exist on this world without any purpose in life. I think the fall is the consequence of being self aware not the other way around. Understanding that you and others are full of anger, hatred, sadness and hypocrisy is like a strike to a head. That book made me realize how much we lie to ourselves. And yes the imposing question of should we hide the truth of the nature of people or should we reveal to others the real human nature can be hard to answer. I think it’s a blessing and a curse. Being self aware makes you suffer, but it also makes you grow. Thanks for reading 🫡
When we read this book at the Grammar school I attended - I thought it was an extensive commentary on Romans 3:23 .... still seems that way 50 years later
The way Clamence compares Amsterdam to the circles of hell left an everlasting impression in me. I really like Camus. He was brave enough to express his points of view in opposite to the other thinkers of his time and expose them for their hypocrisies. We as ordinary people probably have a lot more in common with Clamence than what we would like to admit( especially in these times when our image seems to be the most important thing)...The ones that I find particularly dangerous are the voices of authority, those who are praised by society and in their discourse end up justifying all kinds of atrocities because it's easy for them to do so from their comfortable lives. It' s easy to judge when you are not really affected or involved by what you are theorizing about and all you are going to receive is the adulation from others. Camus saw that in Sartre & company and they never forgive him for that.
haha, I was going to comment on your last video about how this need of something outside ourselves to validate our good actions makes me uncomfortable as if we're Jean-Baptiste Clamence in the Fall. Perfect timing.
When I was in 6th grade, one of my best friends died of a heart defect, and after that my mind has never rested regarding mortality. I took mushrooms at 22 years old, and while they did help a great amount, I still find myself sad about the human condition. I can’t imagine a world without my loved ones, but it’s as inevitable as the flow of a river. It’s comforting to see so many likeminded people in the comments.
But if you spend all your time worrying about death then how can you really enjoy others in your life? Look at it like nothing is permanent, nothing, not even earth or consciousness, so inject as much love as you can, play out your own story, enjoy what there is not fret over what isn't or should be or could've been etc. nothing matters yet everything does. Yin and yang everything has a opposite, literally everything. Anyways I'm rambling all over the place.
Lately i've been watching your videos after reading the books discussed, great for complementing views and learn details i did not catch while reading. Thanks a lot for this videos!
You went from a blazer to a sweatshirt and a chain. More power to you mate. 😊 Regardless of clothing, your channel is more and more becoming my favorite.
I keep accidentally watching videos on existential crisis/despair and all I can say is I keep flip flopping between hedonistic tendencies and pushing through life regardless of the suffering trying to feel all the pain unfiltered. I don’t know what that says about me but it’s been years of doing this, I think I get better then I fall again. 🤷🏻♂️ I’m tired of thinking about it.
Once again fantastic video, i hope you will make a video on heidegger's view of technology, since I feel its a deeply underrated work, Even better if you could do being and time, as all your works are always fantastic. Looking forward to new videos!
I had an existential crisis in my 20's and drank a lot. Then I quit drinking, felt better, and had another one in my 30's. Then, I discovered that yes, everything is utterly meaningless and absurd, so embrace it all and just revel in the ridiculousness that is life. It's freeing.
Camus! _Un grand homme_ … Have you considered doing a video on _L’Homme Révolté_ , i.e. the _Rebel_ ? It’s such a great book… Keep up the terrific work!
Great! His take on Nietzsche seems to me to be the most faithful and accurate one out there… Camus really understood Nietzsche… Alright, will definitely check out your other video in the meantime then!
My existential crisis leaving fundamental christianity took years but I think I now have the answer that Clament needs. No free will, but everything is biological and experiencial inputs to your life to get you to this point. You still have a sense free will (as an emergent property, the same way animals can communicate and share internal states (contentment, fear, curiousity, the need to strike). Look to the cat) Because we have to contend with human social structures and have been biologically tuned to operate with people, we feel normally feel good doing good for others while knowing it is an internal survival mechanism. We see the desire to procreate and pair bond against the backdrop of monogomy (for safety) in stark releif against genes being mixed with multille partners. We see how we are angry when we are hungry and how time of day can affect mood and thought. If you meditate, you learn to observe that your mind is split between observer, thoughts , autonomious actions. You might even see how you have a physical mind that learns skills (such as walking or musical instrument playing) that becomes learned "muscle memory" thag you fall back on. You could argue you have mental muscle memory that default you to certain trains of thought, that an existencial crisis (which is nothing more than focusing on old thoughts for evaluation in a current light) is the mechanism that moves our world from stagnant patterns. (e.g. society has a form of evolution via this mechanism. Evolution does not have a goal, so whether this is better or worse can be argued) If you take this view point, you see the underlying pushes and pulls in your psyche. Your knowledge and fear of death as an organism, against the good you can bring to other in this world, that holds experiencial value whether there is no galactic purpose. The best way to think of purpose is like a game of chess (or any game). The piece and the board is shape to different forms because the creators made that happen. The pieces are then placed in designated starting positions. Then, two thinking beings with agreed upon rules proceed to jostle those pieces in turn with competing goals, and out of this comes strategy and focused thought and language and surprise and respect and dirty tricks, and ... The point is, because we as humans set rules and systems, meaning emerges. There is nothing intrisic to the board or pieces that lines them up or does anything to bring purpose. The child who does not know the rules will move the pieces wherever they like, and may find a joy of physical touch in the curves and shapes of the pieces, but this is not the joy of the came. The grand masters will, through this simple game, find themselves exploring form, function, human psychology, problem solving, and probably draw a great many parallels to life. (said anyone who describes chess as war) This simple game has purpose and meaning because the two players agree to give it meaning at the start. So, when considering our own existence, we can see in the nature of time and space, that we have no divine meaning, not God to say well done good and faithful servant. But we do have a limited experience and interaction in time. It might be mostly in our head, mostly does not interact with others, but it is still experience none the less. While you may feel that you are not special compared to every other human that exists, the very fact that we "experience" anything is observed to be unique, this side of our galaxy. The number of species that have been born, live and died on this planet is astounding, and to get be lucky enough to experience this form is remarkable. (Coming from fundamental christianianity to learn about when we know has come before as life on this planet (look to Aron ra, youtube playlist on the topic) is humbling) So, in light of knowledge, where someone may believe they have lost something (the ability to be innocent and to forgive themselves), I would argue you still can have. You made decisions based upon everything that made you you at that moment. That you in that moment goes away and is replaced as cells and experience and life happens and a new you is formed. That new you can judge the past, as a learning event and an understanding of how that you got to their position in life, and you can also therefore recognize that based upon the knowledge and experience you had, you operated then exactly as you would. You also recognize that state can be possibly improved, and so you judge. Learning from mistakes is an iterative approach to improving our survivability, comfort and joy, which is something we all do on the march to the grave (and why not be happy or content as we head that way). Even the martyr takes joy in the hope that their sacrific influences the world. Now I know, the thoughts that I had formed to get to this approach were a combination of my own brain chemistry, and chance, and cultural influences. Camus coming before helps lay some of that ground work. But building and extending these ideas help. It doesn't mean that I won't have moments where I even question my current philosophy, or forget and operate on autopilot. But this feels like a very safe place to enjoy my time on the planet, at once begin able to empathize (or imagine) pain that is in this world (and our emotions and our cultures), while enabling gratitute and a shift in focus to things that bring hoy to my particular existence. Free will is not real, but is an observed emergent property out of all humans. Our entire lives are lived in that little skull above our necks, and its thoughts are subjected to its physical and past experiences. And that is amazing. (I was going to end here, but a biblical quote from my past came to mind (the brain is a funny pattern matching machine, attempting to link all things). I don't rememeber the chapter and verse, but I think it describes humans amazingly. "You are fearfully and wonderfully made." (Just rememeber, you are made by the forces of the physical, not the mystic)) I hope this helps someone, the way these thoughts helped me.
As someone who is religious I guess it's difficult for me to have the same sense of dread when realizing the limitations of humanity as described in this book. I've worked in healthcare for almost 20 years so I've seen the beautiful and ugly aspects of humanity side by side on the daily basis. I've seen a father so desperate to take care of his child that he unknowingly harms them. I've seen people that spend their entire lives and abject terror over an inevitable end, and at the same time I've seen people who run headlong into it seemingly embodying Freud's Thanatos drive. I understand that we are flawed beings who have both good and bad intentions. We are full of hypocrisy, including myself but that's unavoidable. I see his biggest flaw as just simply being pride. Viewing himself as greater than others is biblically speaking the root of all evil. I fully realize that all humans are wanting, and that's the point. We are flawed we are destined to be imperfect because we are in essence a mix of divine and material. It's somewhat reminds me of an episode of Friends where Joey was trying to convince Phoebe that true altruism did not exist because every action even something self-harming could be seen as self-serving if that action provides even a modicum of self-gratification. One could donate an organ to someone in need, harming themselves for sure, but giving them the satisfaction that they have helped another. I'm not trying to convert anyone here, nor do I want to really get into a theologic debate, but for me the knowledge that I am flawed and yet I believe that there is a being that is flawless who still believes in me for lack of a better time to be comforting in a way that is indescribable. We live by and large in a society that does not allow ourselves to be truly tested in our moral character. We oftentimes are not presented with situations in which we can see how we would act in times where bravery or cowardice would be the result. To quote fight club, how much do you truly know about yourself until you've been in a fight?
Oddly this reminds me of a Simpsons episode. When Lisa discovers the truth of Jebediah Springfield’s past but ultimately keeps it to herself rather than take away the “myth” of it which brings joy to the townspeople.
I disagree. What you’re proposing is effectively a watered down Pascal’s wager. By definition, faith is belief without evidence. Without scrutiny. Believing that your unmaintained car will start in the morning may be rewarded time and time again as it does start. But without using logic to determine that eventually an unmaintained car will cease to start, you have found yourself with an illogical belief. Faith REQUIRES logic to not be utilized.
I read everything Camus wrote around the time I was reading everything Orwell wrote. Both were very good writers, and no matter what your takeaway, if anything, their books are a pleasurable read. The thing of it is that such ideas don't invoke an "existential crisis" in all of us. A good many of us take such revelations with calm interest.
The post-enlightenment human, aka the next step of human development is to understand that we are both good and at the same time slave to our self-importance, bc of biology, psychology, and basically as a living organism living in this universe. It’s okay to do things for your own benefit. The key is to do so in a way that benefits others as well.
When I was 16 and 17 years old, I went through an existential crisis where I felt that everything was meaningless. At a certain point during that time, being that I was a musician, I began to improvise music. Gradually I began to realise that even if life was meaningless, I *could create* meaning, *in* the music. Grey emptiness turned into a kaleidoscope of colors in the darkness. Everything became beautiful and filed with magic.
Why does life have to have meaning? Why is that a problem? Would you prefer that you have a purpose and it's to serve God by giving away all your possessions and joining a monestary?
@philv2529 I don't understand what angle you are coming from. Why is your idea of meaning about the example you gave? Is that really what you think of when you think of life having meaning? Are you coming from an atheistic perspective born out of some beef you have with religion, and because of that you think life has no meaning and that's the way it should be? There are so many ways that people have meaning or a sense of meaning in their lives. Do you think the only time people feel meaning is from a religious perspective, and so specifically in the example you gave? I'm not religious nor do I have any beef with religion. It doesn't have to be that concrete anyway. It doesn't even have to be able to be verbalised because it may not even exist in that form for some people. My question to you is why would you want life to not have meaning? It doesn't *have* to have meaning, but I personally feel very empty and depressed when I feel it doesn't have meaning. Why would someone not want it to?
@@donnaknudson7296 well the entire question is very ambiguous I was approaching it from what is the purpose of life in which case I would think the purpose of life is to serve the Creator for the purpose you were created but it doesn't have to be religious. If you are an atheist then you were created by your parents is the purpose of life to serve your parents? Anytime your life has a purpose it means you are serving someone or something else in which case then you are a slave so why is that a good thing?
@@philv2529 I really don't think it necessarily has to be that. I don't think it's necessarily that concrete. I think for some people it is, but that's not the first thing that comes to my mind. I have seen some people seeing meaning in the form of serving a creator or other people, but for those people I never heard of them feeling like they were a slave. To serve others can be a beautiful thing. Far from slavery, it can be something one does willingly. I willingly took care of my boyfriend when he gradually became more and more sick and handicapped. It was the hardest thing I ever did because I am terrible when it comes to the physical world and I have my own health issues, and I sacrificed a lot to do it, but I was not a slave. It was completely my choice, because for me it just goes along with loving someone. After nine years I was not able to keep taking care of him and sadly he had to go to a nursing home, which made me feel like a failure for a long time, but I came to the conclusion that I did my very best to do everything I was capable of for a long as I was capable of. If I made his life just a little better, if I helped him to not feel so alone or helpless or scared, then to me it was worth it. He died two and a half years ago and I would do anything to have him back. Anyway, meaning can take many different forms. When it comes to music and the other arts, which is what I was talking about at first, what I was saying has nothing to do with serving, although one could definitely say they are giving people enjoyment, pleasure, and meaning, and that's part of it. But for me it's also more intangible than that and very hard to describe. It's more of a sense of life having innate meaning, yet it goes beyond even that. I wonder how cut off from life you might be to think that serving others equates to slavery. People serve each other all the time. Your parents served you when they took care of you and made sure you survived your infancy and childhood (unless they were totally selfish). People who love each other (hopefully) do things for each other. They take care of each other. Is all of that slavery in your mind? Have you never helped someone without seeing it as slavery? Do you want to live in a world where no one will help you unless they are being paid or unless they "get something" from it, and a world where you help no one?
@@donnaknudson7296 well if you feel that way then your purpose for life is the reason for which you were created. If you are not fulfilling the purpose for which you were created then your life has no objective purpose. However you can create one for yourself if that's something you need in your life. I'm just saying it's not necessary so don't worry about it.
We're all drug addicts, most of us addicted to the neurochemicals we manifest naturally in our own brains. To recognize this and simply enjoy your drugs of choice helps. For some, it is the runner's high, for others it is glow one feel when receiving an attaboy or attagirl, for others it is orgasm or the build up toward orgasm. We all go through withdrawal when our drugs of choice get withheld from us, so some turn to artificial drugs to compensate. Others find new drugs to enjoy. Then, as life continues for too long, and most drugs have been tried, we all get habituated and the highs are never quite as high again...unless we throw ourselves into the extreme fringes, like jumping out of perfectly good airplanes, swingers clubs, or war. Rationing for the long-haul seems to be the most viable and sustainable approach. Deprive yourself whenever you can and for as long as you can. Let discipline become your primary drug!
After facing the absurd, and recognizing how flawed I am... I decided to pardon myself, since nobody was there to do it. If God isn't there to forgive me, then I'll do it and by the way forgive and appreciate my fellow man as much as I'm able to do so. If the throne is empty that just means is our for the taking.
When I was 23, I built an entire fantasy world full of constant synchronicities and strange meanings. It was the worst hell I've ever and probably will ever experience. And to think... I probably did all of that to not face the truth of it all, or "the absurd". I honestly think I'm way too terrified for that. I sort of live like the early character in this book, except I'm not a narcissist lol. I'm not really "good" either though, just inoffensive to be honest hahaha.
@@ImLehwz I will explain further... If we are to assume that opposites exist in unison... Something negates nothing Injustice negates justice And eternity cannot be subtracted from Therefore: you will live forever in injustice
@@Big_Tough_Guy Interesting thoughts. But that means injustice is equal to justice right? And what do you mean with forever? Dont you think death is the end?
@@ImLehwz If justice exists alongside injustice, then there is only injustice. If you take out a rule somewhere, you take it out everywhere. I find it hard to believe that surrounding me are two "eternities" of nothing. That would make them not eternities. I believe instead that two eternities exist, life and death... One of which I will never experience. I 80% believe these things, but I somewhat expect the real truth to be stranger than I can comprehend lol
I mean...SOMEONE has to be wrong.......so it's always POSSIBLE that it could be you....and when you realize it...then yes it would be...frustrating and annoying...and embarrassing and all the other emotions...BUT...it's not a crisis...it's NEVER too late to fix everything and restore Order to your Life.
Hey man! Just wanted to leave a comment and say that I deeply appreciate the work you’re doing here and your videos are great! Also a thought; how big the list on Patreon or email is, but could be a cool idea that we as a community could vote on one video a month/every 2 weeks would want to see!
It's like the collapse of ego boundaries, of a world defined in terms that give it form and meaning, and a confrontation with oneself, the collective unconscious, the abyss, the absurd. Camus sees the world with a terrifying clarity, and I'm grateful to him for that bc apparently we share a cognitive type prone to suffering: INFP One of my fav quotes: "Should I kill myself, or have a cup of coffee?" - Albert Camus It asks a very serious existential question acknowledging the human condition, while at the same time reminding us not to take ourselves so seriously. My take at least, I've yet to read that book.
That first statement describes my view, which is the dark and horrific curse of consciousness. Death is the only bringer of peace. I've hated myself for as long as I can remember. Therefore, I did not share the same experience as the character being discussed. We did come to the same conclusion about humanity, life, and death.
I wonder if Camus ever pondered the idea that consciousness itself is unending. Individual identity might die but that thing inside of your head will continue watching from other perspectives endlessly. Would it be a tragedy or comedy for consciousness to be eternal? To always be watching?
His grave is epic. I won't forget how it was just a big piece of rock with his name and date of existence carved into it. His words have made me more aware of the impact of my actions, or inaction, in the world, and of the things I can and can't control.
I really enjoyed this take on Camus and It really resonated with me. I’d be interesting if you could perhaps do a video exploring anti-natalism and the rationale behind that. There is a book about it called better to have never been by David Benatar.
The absurdity of life can hit anyone in a way that makes one questions who they truly are and how the world seem to be dancing or avoiding what you learned as our character in the story. I don't know if one truly losses their innocence, but you might consider it as a temporary sacrifice in order to see the world. similar to the forbidden fruit from the garden. Why must we learn this truth if it will cause us so much pain? I think Nietzsche answers this question in his will to truth. I believe the most difficult thing to do in life is acknowledging what we learned and stay truth to yourself to the world. your innocence is what you must protect in order to not be corrupted from the world.
There’s a simple solution.. don’t believe it :) believe there is meaning in the world.. I remember when I was a younger man I went thru a self deprecative phase, where I’d act out just to laugh at myself - played the part of the fool if you will, and I loved seeing people’s reactions to me.. I wasn’t as conscious of it in the way this man was portrayed in the book but listening to this I see parallels with a younger version of myself.. I think I was unknowingly, demonstrating the absurdity of the world to those around me as I was having trouble dealing with the world around me, taking it seriously, and growing up.. similar to the man in this story.. but It didn’t make me happy so I moved on from it..
4:54 the fatal flaw here is his superiority was nothing more then an illusion even to himself. He was working from a place if inferiorly. A superior does it not for personal gain but because its part of his code of conduct to himself. He does not need praise from anyone but himself.
My first instinct is to take a practical view of this sort of dilemma - or rather, a logical positivist view, i.e. "what he is is what he does". If a man is universally good and kind in his acts to his fellow citizens, does it actually matter if his internal motives are genuinely good or calculating? Is there any difference between the two? Well, probably. The real question is not merely "is he good in the everyday world, when things are going his way?" but also "can you rely on him to keep up that good behaviour when things don't go so well? Can you rely on him to make personal sacrifices when someone really needs him?" "What he is is what he does" only works as a philosophy when you can also add "and I have a large enough sample of his reaction to circumstances - both good and bad - to KNOW what he does".
This philosophy is practically an attitude of a toddler thinking he is the centre of the universe and his immature "problems" are the general lot of all humanity. Unable to see anything else then himself, hear anything than his projected self in the mirror of reality. The selfobsession is pathologic. There is a key sign of the real problem of Clemance - after he is done with trying to find sense through drinking and women, he "is not interested in any deep, meaningfull relationship". In fact he is not able of any meaningfull relationship with the world itself, he is not able/willing to love, he is even not able to realize and accept love. In that case there is no way to find a sense, everything he shall ever find is the soulless, loveless mirror image of himself.
At one time I had like 97.5% of Camus' writings. I mean newspaper stuff and interviews. With all that? remains the most resonant. _glad to have found you!_ --ben
I belive many many go through this in fact I believe it’s a necessity for a whole fruit life - it’s in many esoteric literatures etc and some call it The Dark Night of the Soul. - and all of what you described is someone still stuck in that past of their journey . Even though I have this knowledge within me and can relate to the author in many ways it still scares the bejesus out of me hearing another version of it.
LINKS AND CORRECTIONS:
If you want to work with an experienced study coach teaching maths, philosophy, and study skills then book your session at josephfolleytutoring@gmail.com. Previous clients include students at the University of Cambridge and the LSE.
Support me on Patreon here: patreon.com/UnsolicitedAdvice701?Link&
Sign up to my email list for more philosophy to improve your life: forms.gle/YYfaCaiQw9r6YfkN7
"Judge Penitent"...
"Jordan Peterson"... come on now. This is some endgame revelation shyte. Hyperstitious Aptonyms of this potency just hit a fine conspiratorial note of Epecurean sophistication, it pairs wonderfully w fine Cheese.
See Thoth 🃏Hierophant🗝
Please I would love to hear your thoughts on a book called lectures on faith by Joseph Smith. Not that it's a deeply hard book but I'm curious about what your thoughts would be. It's short. Please
I’d like to mention that the mini stories within Camus characters reminds me of Junji Itos horror mangas especially Uzumaki. Instead of having some sort of fight against existential crises, it is simply giving up… going down into a spiral of depression and so forth.
Sweet necklace
This really is an awesome channel. You make good content. You do good work I think.
I think he just became aware he was french which is terrific
More like horrific
😂😂
@@LuckERadioTerror, horror. Potato, potatoe.
By reputation, this would seem to be his last autobiography
Brilliant
Camus died in a car accident. In one of his pockets was a train ticket for the train he was supposed to take. In the other pocket a copy of the gay science of Nietzsche!
That's so cool! I didn't know that!
With a copy of Shakespeare, and his manuscript for _Le Premier Homme_ I believe…!
@@thomasfaulkner1341 now I have to check my source again! 😂 I’ll come back to this!
I think it was 1957 that A. Camus was nominated for the Nobel prize and he was going toe to toe with N. Kazantzakis
Finally Camus won. Kazantzakis sent him a letter to congratulate him stating that it was the French who deserved the prize.
A few days later Kazantzakis died.
One day Camus wrote to Kazantzakis' widow saying that it was the Greek author /philosopher who actually deserved it and not him.
A few days later, Camus was killed in a car crash.
Ironic to know he died in a pretty absurd way.. since his entire philosophy was based around this idea.
Great video.
It's quite amusing that plenty of high-brow types want to look down on Camus as just a writer, not a "real" philosopher. But the older I get, the more I appreciate his ideas, and his ability to be both ruthless in confronting the absurd realities of the world, but in a compassionate manner.
There is no point in his compassion. It, too, is meaningless.
@@volkoff6357yet he does it despite it and enjoys it too. Isn’t that was absurdism is enjoying life irregardless of it’s apparent meaninglessness.
Woah cross-over episode. Always funny seeing totally different YT channels interacting.
Pls make 3D printed recoilless rifle
@@volkoff6357Nah, his compassion is his meaning. Midcentury existentialism (Camus, Sartre) was not nihilism, it basically arrived at 'create your own meaning' and yes, had alot of connection to aburdism and surrealism.
If I might take a crack at the question of what to do when faced with the uncomfortable truths outlined in this writing, I would say to grieve. Mourn the suffering associated with these truths, grow in compassion for oneself and others, and walk the path with those just starting to become aware. From one internet stranger to another, I hope you have peace
Yes it's a hard and long road that some take while other fall in despair quit the fascinating world we live in
What a solid comment ❤❤
Truth is subjective.
That's fucking gay. It's better to rage against the suffering and disappointment that is life.
@@wannabecar8733 I agree. But you can say God. Absolute truth exists, as always.
I had an existential crisis several years ago that I am still struggling with. It's like waking up at a sleepover, but no one else will wake up with you. Not only did I struggle handling this "enlightended state" for lack of a better term but I struggled with the fact that I was alone and surrounded but those caught in the false fairytale of reality. After wide swings of personality and beliefs, I am as close to inner peace as Ive been in a long time. I will never be who I was but I am a much better person now that Ive gone through the agony of it.
Here's more unsolicited advice😂 The book "Dark Nights of the Soul" by Thomas Moore was instrumentalb
I'm feeling this way now.
I feel u my brother...
@talldarkhansome1 you will find your way. My grasp of reality, morals, and the things I thought made me myself were all shaken to their deepest core. feelings I long thought were dead came back, and I had to slowly process it. Don't allow anxiety or panic to creep in if that's happening to you. I did, and it was a major setback. Don't fight the process. Lean into it. You are by nature programed to run from "danger," but running from something like this does more damage than good. Let the emotions flow, try to understand and learn why this has triggered, question the things you have been told and seek answers, talk about your feelings with someone, let go of the past, practice mediation, remove addictions, read philosophy. On paper, it sounds so easy, but I know it's the most difficult thing a person can possibly go through. Good luck. Highly recommend looking into philosophy.
Nailed it man.
It's so rare to find a youtube channel where you are willing to give a like before you finish the video
It's his looks.
You wouldn't say this to a well thought out video by an indian janitor.
@@unknowninfinium4353
Don't del me whad de do
@@khaoulamadani1223 Oh I did not. I am pointing what you decided to do which was not what you said in your initial comment.
Which also reveals you weren't here for what is said, likely.
And which also says what kind of a person you are - Fake.
Try jumping on other RUclipsr's Philosophy.
@unknowninfinium4353 what a piity Mr how much ur concerned with solving the humanity problems . That you forget how to be respectful knowing the the only way to hide ur imperfections and ur inability is by claiming to see the hidden insight of people .
Stop wasting my time and Don't be so miserable and put another comment down here .
@@unknowninfinium4353stop acting like a professional victim
Look forward to every upload!
Thank you! I appreciate it!
Very nice commentary!
When confronted by his work, I think it helps to remember the time period in which Camus was writing. The Stranger came out in 1942, The Plague in 1947, and The Fall in 1956, times when the traumas of World War 2 were either ongoing or still very fresh. Humanity found out some pretty terrible things about itself in those years, and the French had their own particular demons to wrestle -- sometimes, the demons won. I think then that Clemance perhaps can be taken on some level to be France, or even mankind itself, living in the shadow of its own revealed monstrousness, without much clue as to what to do about it. But time would march on from there and it still moves us steadily forward. As we emerge from the postmodern period, we have an opportunity to emerge from the absurd, if only we will take it.
This channel is such a gem. A hobby (?) of mine is not only widening my vocabulary, but learning ways to take a concept and repackage it for whomever my audience is, and so I like studying others’ vocab, cadence, analogies etc. Sam Harris has been a huge inspiration (among other reasons) for me and someone I find it pleasing and useful to emulate. Anyhow, you’re a master at turning thoughts into words. Love your work bro. Let’s get to a million!
Something interesting to look at more closely would be this guy's hand movements while he is speaking. He seems to make different hand movements - up/down, sideways, open hands / closed hands, hands toward the viewer / away from the viewer, one hand / both hands - according to the kind of sentence he is saying, the content of the sentence, the mode, etc. It's quite interesting to look at, because it signals a lot to the viewer subconsciously
Glad i found your channel. Cheers mate. See you on the dance floor.
Your voice and pronunciation is on another level, I am obsessed with your video. It always great to learn new things ❤
Yikes. I had an existential crisis about 8 years ago and it ruined about 5 years of my life. I completely flipped. Took me a very long time to come back to a middle ground and find clarity.
It’s remarkable or unremarkable how similar my story is to this man’s and I’m assuming many millions/billions of people throughout history who have gone through the same thing.
It is unnerving how closely I relate to this character.
I’m going through much the same now. Great to read a comment from someone who ‘made it through’.
It’s colloquially known as a “mid life crisis”. Not thought to be unusual at all.
The root of it is pride (which has MANY different disguises: intellectual, social, economic, sanguine, choleric, melancholic, phlegmatic, superiority, independence, ambition, spiritual vanity, naturalism, cynical, pharisaical, timidity, scrupulosity, etc, etc).
MANY, MANY people fall into the trap of one of these, but it’s all simply rooted back to pride. All these ‘midlife crises’ and ‘falls’ are when you are lucky enough (and not die for your mistakes) to get metaphorically smashed in the teeth for your attempt to bend reality to your ‘pride’, and you’re left lying on the ground, but still able to get up and have a chance to redeem yourself. And there is only one correct path against the most ancient enemy in human nature.
@@P46430 The issue was rooted in ignorance and arrogance, which I now recognize as my pride. I didn't find the right path immediately. Instead, I overcompensated and swung to the opposite extreme, becoming a completely different person. This drastic change led to paranoia, fear, antisocial behavior, and intense anxiety. I experienced daily panic attacks for a week and then continued to suffer from them frequently. It felt like I was in a constant state of free fall.
This culminated in a horrific car crash caused by sleep issues, nearly resulting in my death. The police even told my parents that I was DOA (they werent suppose to say this from what I know) I survived but was left handicapped. Four years ago, this incident pushed me into therapy, which, along with medication, helped me return to a more balanced state.
In retrospect, I realize my actions and feelings were blown out of proportion. What I perceived as horrendous wasn't as bad as I made it out to be. My guilt over minor rudeness felt like murder, which is something I'd never actually commit. It was a terrible period, and I wish it had never happened. I could have gotten there slower with therapy (which I was already going prior but not as extensive) and overtime figured out how I wanted to behave and found my normal without the horrific years after the incident
@@katieandnick4113 I understand why it's often called a "midlife crisis," but my experience felt far more intense and disruptive than what that term usually implies. It wasn't just a phase; it was a complete upheaval of my identity and mental health. The severity of my panic attacks, paranoia, and the resulting car crash went well beyond what I imagined a "midlife crisis" to be. Therapy and medication were crucial in helping me find stability again
The myth of Sisyphus was the first of his writings I read and the first sentence left me shocked for about an hour before I could go on to read the rest. After that i read the Stranger which I also greatly enjoyed. He has a fine pen.
Nope
😂
It does sound a bit hyperbolic @tuckerbugeater
Walking home from work at midnight in a thunderstorm, I came upon a snail, trucking across the foot path with admirable determination. A few yards ahead I passed a dead cat, lain out on the pavement with a look of pain melted upon her face. These are the unrelated coincidences that I find most distressing. The utter senselessness of the snail's struggle through a short, slow life. The cat's sudden meeting with finality. My own inconvenience amidst it all. I've always appreciated Camus as much as I resent the sensibility of absurdism.
Are you a writer? This was such an eloquent comment!
@@thelovingfawn I am. Mostly existential/cosmic horror. Thank you for your support
Poor cat.. sounds like it may not have had a home or someone who cared about it..
Always be kind to them, so many don't even have access to reliable food or shelter, let alone medical care
You could be the world to them
And go snail, I bet he made it across
😸
@@CieraHeadrick Fvck cats, they take their chances with the rest of us.
I’ve been binge watching your videos whenever I have free time, the way you express yourself and share stories is addictive. Wish you nothing but the best
Friday night. I am binge watching your videos. Couldn’t be happier because it is unusually fun. Thank you for sharing.
As a Christian listening to your video essay, I find your analysis thoroughly engaging not only because of Camus' mis-framing of what Christians should believe and how they approach other, but how people who do not have faith behave when they start to encounter the true nature of humanity. Bravo good sir...bravo.
As I'm sure you misframe the beliefs of other Christians. You are too staunch in your beliefs, brother, the specifics of which are the result of geographical happenstance.
@@Thename123J Take your shitlib message to Mecca, see how you get on.
i WANT to be a good christain.. probmarly so i dont roast in hell for all eternity i used to want to be a good person becuase right thing to do and not just becuase hell and heaven but then seeinh how TERRABLE hell is i dont awnt to roast there and thats my number 1 priority but idk how to love the very one threataning me eternity in hell then say a cat or even fake waifu both which do NOT threatan me with eternal hell.
@@NightmareRex6 All I can suggest is you read the Gospels especially Matthew. The Beautitudes as well as the sermon on the mount reveal the real nature of God. Morally perfect, gracious, forgiving and righteous. We can access his divine love and grace through Jesus. Also pray to God to reveal Himself. You may be surprised by what God works through your life. Good luck and godbless.
@@jimisoulman6021 a morally perfect being would not punish its own creation eternally for finite crimes
I love Camus. Please do a video on The Stranger.
Video after video, consistently relevant and well made.
Thank you! That is very kind!
@@unsolicitedadvice9198 for real thank you, these videos create great opportunities. I'm always watching and rewatching them for the way it gets me thinking in a way that's hard to just make yourself do.
Unrelated I think that the meaningless world of Camu and it's absurdity is a man-made creation born of an undoing of Michael Polanyi's subsidiary-focal integration, like writing a word so many times it loses its meaning and looks wrong
Thanks for this video. I appreciate you talking about Camus. Your's is one of my favorite channels on RUclips
It is a great pleasure to watch your videos on RUclips. One can learn a lot from them in a short amount of time. Besides, they are entertaining. You are a brilliant young man.
24:48 the poor guy… so close to understanding nihilism, yet so wrapped up in the idea that opinions matter. Everything is but a fleeting interaction that only has meaning at the time but yet leaves a solid foundation that influences every future interaction. Every interaction does not happen in isolation but is a dance between multiple things. The interaction ripples out new interactions that are also meaningless without context, but also form the foundation of future interactions.
Yet another wonderful video from this university wit 🙏🏻
Thank you!
I profoundly appreciate the service you provide - summarising and analysing key books I know I ought to have read, but probably never will!
You are doing a good service on these presentations. It was very profound when you posed the question, "so what do we do with this?" That in itself indicates you have the ability to look beyond yourself. I sincerely believe Camus would be pleased you are presenting his work. Be well! MarkMannM2
this is my favourite book by camus, it is always beautiful to hear different interpretations. after watching this video i know i have to reread it
This is a story of a narcissist that suddenly became self aware.
The vast majority of philosophy was probably in this vain, made by seriously mentally ill people...
As someone who himself has apparently followed this route down to an almost identical level in all of the accounts, I can very much attest that this is very much true.
@@kanseidorifto2430heh, same
I don't know enough about narcissism. I was under the impression that they could not become self-aware.
I remember watching a video about it, where the psychologist says, a narcissist isn't able to ask themselves, "Am I a narcissist?"
Someone school me. Maybe I misinterpreted.
@@keithdrummond1003 Well good on your for accepting the potential you could be wrong, helps when trying to get the bigger picture or elaboration.
Second, in what I've found it's that a narcissist can definitely be capable of self reflection, and when they're self aware and see the signs, it can make a person think. I'll also note not all narcissists are gonna be like you'd imagine by the stereotype, since from what I've gathered there's two types. The ones that are possessive and controlling of others, and the ones that don't want to but want to be made to feel important because they appear to be on the bottom rung. The second one is more like... a miserable narcissist that lacks self esteem
It's amazing how at the core we are almost all the same. You often think the feelings, emotions and worldviews you have are unique to yourself but the more I read philosophy the more I realise we are all fundamentally the same. To fully know oneself is to fully know all of humanity.
Very good point.
Really enjoyed this analysis of Camus ' character, Clemence. I find Camus' books extremely challenging,so I enjoyed your take on existential crisis. 👍
Nice analysis. Thanks for another great video!
Thank you!
I've been in a perpetual state of existential crisis and utter dread of life for as long as I can remember being alive. Every "meaning" or "purpose" to life that I find always seems like it's perfect in the moment, and I devote myself to the study of it and learn everything I can about it to prove to others and myself that it's perfect. But it always falls apart, either because it's ripped away from me, I learn that it's not perfect, or in the case of Christianity, even if it is logically perfect, it's just completely unnatural in every way. So I realize that there isn't any great, ultimate, singular universal meaning to anything or myself, but I don't know how to cope with that realization. Because with that realization, comes the parallel realization that there's no real reason why I shouldn't kill myself. And people always say "You don't need a reason to enjoy life, just enjoy it for the sake of enjoying it because you're here" but I've never once felt truly content or happy with anything. I genuinely hate humanity as a whole, and anytime I enjoy something that's happening or something that I'm doing, it's swiftly replaced with the fact that my enjoyment is also completely meaningless, which then completely decimates the sense of enjoyment. I just don't know how to enjoy something that doesn't have a reason or a meaning, including life itself.
For what it's worth: I believe you (that is, you personally) need more time to understand and develop your own philosophy for life. No philosophy anyone tells you will be 100% perfect for you, because all of us are seeing things through our own lens. Take our views into consideration, but understand your own view has value. For me, nature and meditation have given me the perspective I need to be content (and even excited) about the insanity of our existence. I've embraced the incomprehensibility of it.
I wish you well, whatever that means.
Identify as Tinker bell or Popeye for a more rounded meaning in life.
Then read the Allegory of the Cave🙃
Echoing the thoughtful reply of @Aelffwynn, meditation can be extremely helpful. This breath and this moment is all there is. I haven't been doing it and I've been lost and adrift...but I remember. Time to get back to it. It's so deceptively simple; it's easy to scoff about it: who has the time to just "sit"? How will this pay my bills or get my laundry done or help me find meaningful relationships? I think we all have 15 minutes (many do 11 minutes 🤷🏻) to give it a shot. Wishing you all the best. 💚
Why does it have to have a meaning? I think we all create our own meaning. I also think genuine connection to others is key to a happy and “meaningful” life. Unfortunately some of us aren’t able to connect deeply or even at all with others. And also most people are rank hypocrites.
@@0oo087 Become a goat herder and stop eating processed food as Dr Lustig advises..
Imagine everything lost meaning, and everybody is a stranger, yeah I got there. You got me right away, as soon as video began.
Realising that there is no inherent meaning in the world was, and continues to be, the most freeing experience I ever had.
If nothing matters, then nothing I do matters. It removed all of the external pressure I had put on myself, and let me realise that the meaning life has to me is what I choose to give it.
I choose to care what my family and friends think of me. I choose to dress nicely and behave well, so strangers on the street think well of me, even though I kinow they probably don't think of me at all, and that it doesn't really matter if they do or don't.
I choose what I think is right or wrong, and if I'll behave accordingly. I choose what I value, I choose what I want, I choose what to believe and how to think and how to feel.
An existential crisis is the best thing that can happen to someone if they go all the way through it, and the only way to really leave childhood innocence behind.
This!
Doesn't that mean that, if you were willing to, you could choose to think that murder is alright for example? I think society needs a moral compass
@@rubengomezmartinez5969 No. You only can choose that murder is "alright" for you (if you are an insane human, and live with the consequences). But your personal opinion is no general law, no one can choose what is "alright" generally. The OP chooses the right thing even if he does not believe in an inherent meaning - this alone shows that there is an inherent moral compass in a sane human.
@@alena-qu9vj yes, I agree with you, but still there needs to be a sense of right or wrong for a society to function, the law by itself is just paper and you could make the argument that "well why should I abide to this law? It was written by humans no better than me, why do I have to follow their rules? I'm not saying that this can by itself push people to murder or crime, but society needs something that says what is inherently wrong and right, something that is in nature above them to question, perhaps no religion is true or maybe 1 or 2 are true or maybe all are true for all I know but i think they provide something essential to society, a clear way to explain why something is right or wrong
Edit: calligraphy, sorry not my first language
@@rubengomezmartinez5969 I am not saying that there is no "supreme law - which is not of this world". But you cannot force anybody or even a society to abide by it, one of the reasons being every human or society interprets it differently. Moreover, religion is not a police force, and has to be accepted willingly and of one's own accord - in contrast to the secular law.
You are living in and of a specific society, and you has to abide by its laws or you have to suffer the consequences - your choice, quite simple.
I just recently discovered your channel and I cannot wait for you to upload a new video . Thank you for all of this . I myself am new in philosophy in any aspect of it and find all your videos fascinating and interesting .
This is so relevant to where I am right now. Thank you.
This book is phenomenal I remember reading it in high school and I thought- that’s me. I’ve been struggling with existential crisis most of my life, becoming depressed and self aware was certainly not a good thing. I would say a feeling of meaningless is like holding a branch of the tree while there’s a terrible wind outside. You wait for the branch to break but it never happens so it just carries you from side to side until you don’t have the strength to hold it any more and you merely exist on this world without any purpose in life. I think the fall is the consequence of being self aware not the other way around. Understanding that you and others are full of anger, hatred, sadness and hypocrisy is like a strike to a head. That book made me realize how much we lie to ourselves. And yes the imposing question of should we hide the truth of the nature of people or should we reveal to others the real human nature can be hard to answer. I think it’s a blessing and a curse. Being self aware makes you suffer, but it also makes you grow. Thanks for reading 🫡
When we read this book at the Grammar school I attended - I thought it was an extensive commentary on Romans 3:23 .... still seems that way 50 years later
.... sorry only 40 years later should have dome more maths
The way Clamence compares Amsterdam to the circles of hell left an everlasting impression in me.
I really like Camus. He was brave enough to express his points of view in opposite to the other thinkers of his time and expose them for their hypocrisies.
We as ordinary people probably have a lot more in common with Clamence than what we would like to admit( especially in these times when our image seems to be the most important thing)...The ones that I find particularly dangerous are the voices of authority, those who are praised by society and in their discourse end up justifying all kinds of atrocities because it's easy for them to do so from their comfortable lives. It' s easy to judge when you are not really affected or involved by what you are theorizing about and all you are going to receive is the adulation from others.
Camus saw that in Sartre & company and they never forgive him for that.
haha, I was going to comment on your last video about how this need of something outside ourselves to validate our good actions makes me uncomfortable as if we're Jean-Baptiste Clamence in the Fall. Perfect timing.
Perfect thing to watch after an anxiety attack...
Just finished the Fall and came to your channel. Thanks for a very succinct and eloquent summary of this great work
When I was in 6th grade, one of my best friends died of a heart defect, and after that my mind has never rested regarding mortality. I took mushrooms at 22 years old, and while they did help a great amount, I still find myself sad about the human condition. I can’t imagine a world without my loved ones, but it’s as inevitable as the flow of a river. It’s comforting to see so many likeminded people in the comments.
But if you spend all your time worrying about death then how can you really enjoy others in your life? Look at it like nothing is permanent, nothing, not even earth or consciousness, so inject as much love as you can, play out your own story, enjoy what there is not fret over what isn't or should be or could've been etc. nothing matters yet everything does. Yin and yang everything has a opposite, literally everything. Anyways I'm rambling all over the place.
The way he opens up the video, makes me stop about one minute in and have to go read it myself. Nice work
Lately i've been watching your videos after reading the books discussed, great for complementing views and learn details i did not catch while reading. Thanks a lot for this videos!
I love Camus but almost everything he says is something most of us realized at 12 got depressed than got over.
You went from a blazer to a sweatshirt and a chain. More power to you mate. 😊
Regardless of clothing, your channel is more and more becoming my favorite.
I keep accidentally watching videos on existential crisis/despair and all I can say is I keep flip flopping between hedonistic tendencies and pushing through life regardless of the suffering trying to feel all the pain unfiltered. I don’t know what that says about me but it’s been years of doing this, I think I get better then I fall again. 🤷🏻♂️ I’m tired of thinking about it.
Bro so glad to see your channel grow so much !!!
"we spit on others so they cannot spit on us first" 😮
Once again fantastic video, i hope you will make a video on heidegger's view of technology, since I feel its a deeply underrated work, Even better if you could do being and time, as all your works are always fantastic. Looking forward to new videos!
Thank you! I have been meaning to learn more about Heidegger
These summaries are showing me that Camus is not what I've been missing. Although, mildly thought provoking. Thanks.
I've had it on my nightstand for weeks now, I'll read it and come back to your video!
I had an existential crisis in my 20's and drank a lot. Then I quit drinking, felt better, and had another one in my 30's. Then, I discovered that yes, everything is utterly meaningless and absurd, so embrace it all and just revel in the ridiculousness that is life. It's freeing.
Camus! _Un grand homme_ …
Have you considered doing a video on _L’Homme Révolté_ , i.e. the _Rebel_ ? It’s such a great book…
Keep up the terrific work!
Thank you! Ah I love The Rebel. I ended up referencing it so much in my video on Paradise Lost that I am waiting to do a full video on it.
Great! His take on Nietzsche seems to me to be the most faithful and accurate one out there… Camus really understood Nietzsche…
Alright, will definitely check out your other video in the meantime then!
Would love a video on L'étranger!
You’re doing what I was thinking of doing. Thanks for the awesome content. Makes me happy to see people my age love philosophy ❤️there is hope
My existential crisis leaving fundamental christianity took years but I think I now have the answer that Clament needs. No free will, but everything is biological and experiencial inputs to your life to get you to this point.
You still have a sense free will (as an emergent property, the same way animals can communicate and share internal states (contentment, fear, curiousity, the need to strike). Look to the cat)
Because we have to contend with human social structures and have been biologically tuned to operate with people, we feel normally feel good doing good for others while knowing it is an internal survival mechanism. We see the desire to procreate and pair bond against the backdrop of monogomy (for safety) in stark releif against genes being mixed with multille partners. We see how we are angry when we are hungry and how time of day can affect mood and thought.
If you meditate, you learn to observe that your mind is split between observer, thoughts , autonomious actions. You might even see how you have a physical mind that learns skills (such as walking or musical instrument playing) that becomes learned "muscle memory" thag you fall back on. You could argue you have mental muscle memory that default you to certain trains of thought, that an existencial crisis (which is nothing more than focusing on old thoughts for evaluation in a current light) is the mechanism that moves our world from stagnant patterns. (e.g. society has a form of evolution via this mechanism. Evolution does not have a goal, so whether this is better or worse can be argued)
If you take this view point, you see the underlying pushes and pulls in your psyche. Your knowledge and fear of death as an organism, against the good you can bring to other in this world, that holds experiencial value whether there is no galactic purpose.
The best way to think of purpose is like a game of chess (or any game). The piece and the board is shape to different forms because the creators made that happen. The pieces are then placed in designated starting positions. Then, two thinking beings with agreed upon rules proceed to jostle those pieces in turn with competing goals, and out of this comes strategy and focused thought and language and surprise and respect and dirty tricks, and ...
The point is, because we as humans set rules and systems, meaning emerges. There is nothing intrisic to the board or pieces that lines them up or does anything to bring purpose. The child who does not know the rules will move the pieces wherever they like, and may find a joy of physical touch in the curves and shapes of the pieces, but this is not the joy of the came. The grand masters will, through this simple game, find themselves exploring form, function, human psychology, problem solving, and probably draw a great many parallels to life. (said anyone who describes chess as war)
This simple game has purpose and meaning because the two players agree to give it meaning at the start.
So, when considering our own existence, we can see in the nature of time and space, that we have no divine meaning, not God to say well done good and faithful servant. But we do have a limited experience and interaction in time. It might be mostly in our head, mostly does not interact with others, but it is still experience none the less. While you may feel that you are not special compared to every other human that exists, the very fact that we "experience" anything is observed to be unique, this side of our galaxy. The number of species that have been born, live and died on this planet is astounding, and to get be lucky enough to experience this form is remarkable. (Coming from fundamental christianianity to learn about when we know has come before as life on this planet (look to Aron ra, youtube playlist on the topic) is humbling)
So, in light of knowledge, where someone may believe they have lost something (the ability to be innocent and to forgive themselves), I would argue you still can have. You made decisions based upon everything that made you you at that moment. That you in that moment goes away and is replaced as cells and experience and life happens and a new you is formed. That new you can judge the past, as a learning event and an understanding of how that you got to their position in life, and you can also therefore recognize that based upon the knowledge and experience you had, you operated then exactly as you would. You also recognize that state can be possibly improved, and so you judge. Learning from mistakes is an iterative approach to improving our survivability, comfort and joy, which is something we all do on the march to the grave (and why not be happy or content as we head that way). Even the martyr takes joy in the hope that their sacrific influences the world.
Now I know, the thoughts that I had formed to get to this approach were a combination of my own brain chemistry, and chance, and cultural influences. Camus coming before helps lay some of that ground work. But building and extending these ideas help.
It doesn't mean that I won't have moments where I even question my current philosophy, or forget and operate on autopilot. But this feels like a very safe place to enjoy my time on the planet, at once begin able to empathize (or imagine) pain that is in this world (and our emotions and our cultures), while enabling gratitute and a shift in focus to things that bring hoy to my particular existence.
Free will is not real, but is an observed emergent property out of all humans. Our entire lives are lived in that little skull above our necks, and its thoughts are subjected to its physical and past experiences. And that is amazing.
(I was going to end here, but a biblical quote from my past came to mind (the brain is a funny pattern matching machine, attempting to link all things). I don't rememeber the chapter and verse, but I think it describes humans amazingly.
"You are fearfully and wonderfully made."
(Just rememeber, you are made by the forces of the physical, not the mystic))
I hope this helps someone, the way these thoughts helped me.
As someone who is religious I guess it's difficult for me to have the same sense of dread when realizing the limitations of humanity as described in this book. I've worked in healthcare for almost 20 years so I've seen the beautiful and ugly aspects of humanity side by side on the daily basis. I've seen a father so desperate to take care of his child that he unknowingly harms them. I've seen people that spend their entire lives and abject terror over an inevitable end, and at the same time I've seen people who run headlong into it seemingly embodying Freud's Thanatos drive. I understand that we are flawed beings who have both good and bad intentions. We are full of hypocrisy, including myself but that's unavoidable. I see his biggest flaw as just simply being pride. Viewing himself as greater than others is biblically speaking the root of all evil. I fully realize that all humans are wanting, and that's the point. We are flawed we are destined to be imperfect because we are in essence a mix of divine and material. It's somewhat reminds me of an episode of Friends where Joey was trying to convince Phoebe that true altruism did not exist because every action even something self-harming could be seen as self-serving if that action provides even a modicum of self-gratification. One could donate an organ to someone in need, harming themselves for sure, but giving them the satisfaction that they have helped another.
I'm not trying to convert anyone here, nor do I want to really get into a theologic debate, but for me the knowledge that I am flawed and yet I believe that there is a being that is flawless who still believes in me for lack of a better time to be comforting in a way that is indescribable.
We live by and large in a society that does not allow ourselves to be truly tested in our moral character. We oftentimes are not presented with situations in which we can see how we would act in times where bravery or cowardice would be the result. To quote fight club, how much do you truly know about yourself until you've been in a fight?
I've just discovered your channel and I love your Camus videos (he is my favourite philosopher), and The Fall is my favourite book!!
Oddly this reminds me of a Simpsons episode. When Lisa discovers the truth of Jebediah Springfield’s past but ultimately keeps it to herself rather than take away the “myth” of it which brings joy to the townspeople.
So it turns out my whole life is one huge existential crysis from the very beginning
There's always the possibility that you're wrong which is why faith cannot be ruled out as illogical
I disagree. What you’re proposing is effectively a watered down Pascal’s wager.
By definition, faith is belief without evidence. Without scrutiny.
Believing that your unmaintained car will start in the morning may be rewarded time and time again as it does start. But without using logic to determine that eventually an unmaintained car will cease to start, you have found yourself with an illogical belief.
Faith REQUIRES logic to not be utilized.
“Alber camoo” I’ve never even questioned if it sounded different than how it’s written.
"AlberT KAYmuss."
...when I wanna come off as an 'uneducated' American.
@@normanclatcher You must have autism. Nobody is really that pretentious, are they? Normanclatcher hahah
I read everything Camus wrote around the time I was reading everything Orwell wrote. Both were very good writers, and no matter what your takeaway, if anything, their books are a pleasurable read. The thing of it is that such ideas don't invoke an "existential crisis" in all of us. A good many of us take such revelations with calm interest.
The post-enlightenment human, aka the next step of human development is to understand that we are both good and at the same time slave to our self-importance, bc of biology, psychology, and basically as a living organism living in this universe.
It’s okay to do things for your own benefit. The key is to do so in a way that benefits others as well.
Camus was a great writer. Great job summarizing the book!
Albert Camus was Nobel price winner however as he truely said, the universe was indifferent to any meaning the man drives from his actions.
When I was 16 and 17 years old, I went through an existential crisis where I felt that everything was meaningless. At a certain point during that time, being that I was a musician, I began to improvise music. Gradually I began to realise that even if life was meaningless, I *could create* meaning, *in* the music. Grey emptiness turned into a kaleidoscope of colors in the darkness. Everything became beautiful and filed with magic.
Why does life have to have meaning? Why is that a problem? Would you prefer that you have a purpose and it's to serve God by giving away all your possessions and joining a monestary?
@philv2529 I don't understand what angle you are coming from. Why is your idea of meaning about the example you gave? Is that really what you think of when you think of life having meaning? Are you coming from an atheistic perspective born out of some beef you have with religion, and because of that you think life has no meaning and that's the way it should be? There are so many ways that people have meaning or a sense of meaning in their lives. Do you think the only time people feel meaning is from a religious perspective, and so specifically in the example you gave? I'm not religious nor do I have any beef with religion. It doesn't have to be that concrete anyway. It doesn't even have to be able to be verbalised because it may not even exist in that form for some people.
My question to you is why would you want life to not have meaning? It doesn't *have* to have meaning, but I personally feel very empty and depressed when I feel it doesn't have meaning. Why would someone not want it to?
@@donnaknudson7296 well the entire question is very ambiguous I was approaching it from what is the purpose of life in which case I would think the purpose of life is to serve the Creator for the purpose you were created but it doesn't have to be religious. If you are an atheist then you were created by your parents is the purpose of life to serve your parents? Anytime your life has a purpose it means you are serving someone or something else in which case then you are a slave so why is that a good thing?
@@philv2529 I really don't think it necessarily has to be that. I don't think it's necessarily that concrete. I think for some people it is, but that's not the first thing that comes to my mind. I have seen some people seeing meaning in the form of serving a creator or other people, but for those people I never heard of them feeling like they were a slave. To serve others can be a beautiful thing. Far from slavery, it can be something one does willingly. I willingly took care of my boyfriend when he gradually became more and more sick and handicapped. It was the hardest thing I ever did because I am terrible when it comes to the physical world and I have my own health issues, and I sacrificed a lot to do it, but I was not a slave. It was completely my choice, because for me it just goes along with loving someone. After nine years I was not able to keep taking care of him and sadly he had to go to a nursing home, which made me feel like a failure for a long time, but I came to the conclusion that I did my very best to do everything I was capable of for a long as I was capable of. If I made his life just a little better, if I helped him to not feel so alone or helpless or scared, then to me it was worth it. He died two and a half years ago and I would do anything to have him back.
Anyway, meaning can take many different forms. When it comes to music and the other arts, which is what I was talking about at first, what I was saying has nothing to do with serving, although one could definitely say they are giving people enjoyment, pleasure, and meaning, and that's part of it. But for me it's also more intangible than that and very hard to describe. It's more of a sense of life having innate meaning, yet it goes beyond even that.
I wonder how cut off from life you might be to think that serving others equates to slavery. People serve each other all the time. Your parents served you when they took care of you and made sure you survived your infancy and childhood (unless they were totally selfish). People who love each other (hopefully) do things for each other. They take care of each other. Is all of that slavery in your mind? Have you never helped someone without seeing it as slavery? Do you want to live in a world where no one will help you unless they are being paid or unless they "get something" from it, and a world where you help no one?
@@donnaknudson7296 well if you feel that way then your purpose for life is the reason for which you were created. If you are not fulfilling the purpose for which you were created then your life has no objective purpose. However you can create one for yourself if that's something you need in your life. I'm just saying it's not necessary so don't worry about it.
We're all drug addicts, most of us addicted to the neurochemicals we manifest naturally in our own brains. To recognize this and simply enjoy your drugs of choice helps. For some, it is the runner's high, for others it is glow one feel when receiving an attaboy or attagirl, for others it is orgasm or the build up toward orgasm. We all go through withdrawal when our drugs of choice get withheld from us, so some turn to artificial drugs to compensate. Others find new drugs to enjoy. Then, as life continues for too long, and most drugs have been tried, we all get habituated and the highs are never quite as high again...unless we throw ourselves into the extreme fringes, like jumping out of perfectly good airplanes, swingers clubs, or war.
Rationing for the long-haul seems to be the most viable and sustainable approach. Deprive yourself whenever you can and for as long as you can. Let discipline become your primary drug!
"They're like car crashes in slow motion..." brilliantly said.
Camus is the philosopher that makes the most sense to me.
I find him... pedestrian.
Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky, and Bierce are my main men.
Currently reading this book and im glad you uploaded this video
Excellent video mate, look forward to each of your uploads. I strangley like Camus.
Thank you! and he is a great thinker
After facing the absurd, and recognizing how flawed I am... I decided to pardon myself, since nobody was there to do it. If God isn't there to forgive me, then I'll do it and by the way forgive and appreciate my fellow man as much as I'm able to do so. If the throne is empty that just means is our for the taking.
When I was 23, I built an entire fantasy world full of constant synchronicities and strange meanings. It was the worst hell I've ever and probably will ever experience.
And to think... I probably did all of that to not face the truth of it all, or "the absurd". I honestly think I'm way too terrified for that.
I sort of live like the early character in this book, except I'm not a narcissist lol. I'm not really "good" either though, just inoffensive to be honest hahaha.
What is the truth of it all do you think?
@@ImLehwz Eternal nonsense. Wrapped in a paradoxical fractal. Forever...
@@ImLehwz I will explain further...
If we are to assume that opposites exist in unison...
Something negates nothing
Injustice negates justice
And eternity cannot be subtracted from
Therefore: you will live forever in injustice
@@Big_Tough_Guy Interesting thoughts. But that means injustice is equal to justice right? And what do you mean with forever? Dont you think death is the end?
@@ImLehwz If justice exists alongside injustice, then there is only injustice. If you take out a rule somewhere, you take it out everywhere.
I find it hard to believe that surrounding me are two "eternities" of nothing. That would make them not eternities. I believe instead that two eternities exist, life and death... One of which I will never experience.
I 80% believe these things, but I somewhat expect the real truth to be stranger than I can comprehend lol
I mean...SOMEONE has to be wrong.......so it's always POSSIBLE that it could be you....and when you realize it...then yes it would be...frustrating and annoying...and embarrassing and all the other emotions...BUT...it's not a crisis...it's NEVER too late to fix everything and restore Order to your Life.
Hey man!
Just wanted to leave a comment and say that I deeply appreciate the work you’re doing here and your videos are great!
Also a thought; how big the list on Patreon or email is, but could be a cool idea that we as a community could vote on one video a month/every 2 weeks would want to see!
wake up babe, new unsolicited advice video !!
It's like the collapse of ego boundaries, of a world defined in terms that give it form and meaning, and a confrontation with oneself, the collective unconscious, the abyss, the absurd.
Camus sees the world with a terrifying clarity, and I'm grateful to him for that bc apparently we share a cognitive type prone to suffering: INFP
One of my fav quotes:
"Should I kill myself, or have a cup of coffee?" - Albert Camus
It asks a very serious existential question acknowledging the human condition, while at the same time reminding us not to take ourselves so seriously. My take at least, I've yet to read that book.
Man, it gets even worse when you realize that death is not the end of it. That's a funny quote though...
INFPs are cool.
Thanks for vedio, right now I am going through crises 😔😔😔...
That first statement describes my view, which is the dark and horrific curse of consciousness. Death is the only bringer of peace. I've hated myself for as long as I can remember. Therefore, I did not share the same experience as the character being discussed. We did come to the same conclusion about humanity, life, and death.
26:26 "Can we lock eyes whit the void and say Nha I'd win? "
I really whish to be able to answer this question before I die
I wonder if Camus ever pondered the idea that consciousness itself is unending. Individual identity might die but that thing inside of your head will continue watching from other perspectives endlessly. Would it be a tragedy or comedy for consciousness to be eternal? To always be watching?
His grave is epic. I won't forget how it was just a big piece of rock with his name and date of existence carved into it. His words have made me more aware of the impact of my actions, or inaction, in the world, and of the things I can and can't control.
Incredible and thoughtful analysis. Thank you.
I really enjoyed this take on Camus and It really resonated with me. I’d be interesting if you could perhaps do a video exploring anti-natalism and the rationale behind that. There is a book about it called better to have never been by David Benatar.
Yet another wonderful video about Camus
Thank you!
The absurdity of life can hit anyone in a way that makes one questions who they truly are and how the world seem to be dancing or avoiding what you learned as our character in the story. I don't know if one truly losses their innocence, but you might consider it as a temporary sacrifice in order to see the world. similar to the forbidden fruit from the garden. Why must we learn this truth if it will cause us so much pain? I think Nietzsche answers this question in his will to truth. I believe the most difficult thing to do in life is acknowledging what we learned and stay truth to yourself to the world. your innocence is what you must protect in order to not be corrupted from the world.
There’s a simple solution.. don’t believe it :) believe there is meaning in the world.. I remember when I was a younger man I went thru a self deprecative phase, where I’d act out just to laugh at myself - played the part of the fool if you will, and I loved seeing people’s reactions to me.. I wasn’t as conscious of it in the way this man was portrayed in the book but listening to this I see parallels with a younger version of myself.. I think I was unknowingly, demonstrating the absurdity of the world to those around me as I was having trouble dealing with the world around me, taking it seriously, and growing up.. similar to the man in this story.. but It didn’t make me happy so I moved on from it..
4:54 the fatal flaw here is his superiority was nothing more then an illusion even to himself. He was working from a place if inferiorly. A superior does it not for personal gain but because its part of his code of conduct to himself. He does not need praise from anyone but himself.
My first instinct is to take a practical view of this sort of dilemma - or rather, a logical positivist view, i.e. "what he is is what he does".
If a man is universally good and kind in his acts to his fellow citizens, does it actually matter if his internal motives are genuinely good or calculating?
Is there any difference between the two?
Well, probably. The real question is not merely "is he good in the everyday world, when things are going his way?" but also "can you rely on him to keep up that good behaviour when things don't go so well? Can you rely on him to make personal sacrifices when someone really needs him?"
"What he is is what he does" only works as a philosophy when you can also add "and I have a large enough sample of his reaction to circumstances - both good and bad - to KNOW what he does".
This philosophy is practically an attitude of a toddler thinking he is the centre of the universe and his immature "problems" are the general lot of all humanity. Unable to see anything else then himself, hear anything than his projected self in the mirror of reality. The selfobsession is pathologic.
There is a key sign of the real problem of Clemance - after he is done with trying to find sense through drinking and women, he "is not interested in any deep, meaningfull relationship". In fact he is not able of any meaningfull relationship with the world itself, he is not able/willing to love, he is even not able to realize and accept love. In that case there is no way to find a sense, everything he shall ever find is the soulless, loveless mirror image of himself.
I guess another way to ruin your life
At one time I had like 97.5% of Camus' writings. I mean newspaper stuff and interviews.
With all that? remains the most resonant.
_glad to have found you!_
--ben
I belive many many go through this in fact I believe it’s a necessity for a whole fruit life - it’s in many esoteric literatures etc and some call it The Dark Night of the Soul. - and all of what you described is someone still stuck in that past of their journey .
Even though I have this knowledge within me and can relate to the author in many ways it still scares the bejesus out of me hearing another version of it.
The first self aware kindless influencer.
I dont even read philosophy, i just like hearing your buttery british voice discuss ideas while i work
Acceptance of circumstance is a sign of sanity.
You are doing a great job for the humanities. Thanks
The Intro to the video gave me more existential crisis than ever before
There is nothing but that which we believe is it.
Great job, thank you.