Single Idea 9243

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / F. Existentialism / 2. Nihilism]

Full Idea

What a man believes to be true must determine his action. Belief in the absurdity of existence must then dictate his conduct.

Gist of Idea

If we believe existence is absurd, this should dictate our conduct

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.14


A Reaction

It is intriguing to speculate what the appropriate conduct is. Presumably it is wild existential gestures, like sticking a knife through your hand. Suicide will be an obvious temptation. But bourgeois life might be equally appropriate.