Full Idea
The essential problems are those that run the risk of leading to death, or those that intensify the passion of living.
Gist of Idea
Essential problems either risk death, or intensify the passion of life
Source
Albert Camus (The Myth of Sisyphus [1942], 'Abs and Suic')
Book Reference
Camus,Albert: 'The Myth of Sisyphus', ed/tr. O'Brien,Justin [Penguin 1975], p.12
A Reaction
This seems to be distinctively existentialist, in a way that a cool concern for great truths are not ranked as so important. Ranking dangerous problems as crucial seems somehow trivial for a philosopher. Intensity of life is more impressive.