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Single Idea 9246

[filed under theme 23. Ethics / F. Existentialism / 7. Existential Action ]

Full Idea

The leap of faith does not represent an extreme danger as Kierkegaard would like it to do. The danger, on the contrary, lies in the subtle instant that precedes the leap. Being able to remain on the dizzying crest - that is integrity.

Gist of Idea

Danger and integrity are not in the leap of faith, but in remaining poised just before the leap

Source

Albert Camus (The Myth of Sisyphus [1942], 'Phil Suic')

Book Ref

Camus,Albert: 'The Myth of Sisyphus', ed/tr. O'Brien,Justin [Penguin 1975], p.50

A Reaction

I have always found that a thrilling thought. It perfectly distinguishes atheist existentialism from religious existentialism. It is Camus' best image for how the Absurd can be a life affirming idea, rather than a sort of nihilism. Life gains intensity.

The 14 ideas from 'The Myth of Sisyphus'

9244 Logic is easy, but what about logic to the point of death? [Camus]
9243 If we believe existence is absurd, this should dictate our conduct [Camus]
9242 Essential problems either risk death, or intensify the passion of life [Camus]
9248 It is essential to die unreconciled and not of one's own free will [Camus]
9249 Whether we are free is uninteresting; we can only experience our freedom [Camus]
9247 Life will be lived better if it has no meaning [Camus]
9250 Discussing ethics is pointless; moral people behave badly, and integrity doesn't need rules [Camus]
9251 One can be virtuous through a whim [Camus]
9253 The human heart has a tiresome tendency to label as fate only what crushes it [Camus]
9252 The more one loves the stronger the absurd grows [Camus]
6707 Suicide - whether life is worth living - is the one serious philosophical problem [Camus]
6708 Happiness and the absurd go together, each leading to the other [Camus]
9245 To an absurd mind reason is useless, and there is nothing beyond reason [Camus]
9246 Danger and integrity are not in the leap of faith, but in remaining poised just before the leap [Camus]