Single Idea 3268

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

Full Idea

If life is absurd because it only lasts seventy years, wouldn't it be infinitely absurd if it lasted for eternity? And if we are absurd because we are small, would we be any less absurd if we filled the universe?

Gist of Idea

If a small brief life is absurd, then so is a long and large one

Source

Thomas Nagel (The Absurd [1971], §1)

Book Reference

Nagel,Thomas: 'Mortal Questions' [CUP 1981], p.12