One must imagine Sisyphus happy since “one” is Sisyphus.
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Although I’ve heard a lot about Albert Camus and his profound philosophical novels in high school, I was first introduced to him through one of his existentialist essays, The Myth of Sisyphus during a philosophy course at university. In this essay, Camus grapples with the concept of the absurd, which emerges from the stark conflict between humanity’s yearning for meaning and the seemingly purposeless nature of the universe. The central metaphor of the essay is the Greek myth of Sisyphus, a figure condemned by the gods to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity, only to have it roll back down each time he reaches the summit.
Our class engaged in lively discussions about Sisyphus’s punishment and the intriguing assertion that he can be considered “happy” despite his seemingly bleak fate. These conversations often led to a sense of pity and sadness among students, as we contemplated the notion of enduring an eternity of meaningless toil. It was challenging to imagine ourselves in Sisyphus’s shoes, given the stifling and repetitive nature of his punishment. What is his life purpose if all he can do is to push a stone over and over? What is there to find meaning? Yet, as we delved deeper, it became evident to me that there were parallels between Sisyphus’s plight and the routines of our own lives.
I distinctly remember the moment when I realized that my parents, much like everyone else, didn’t possess all the answers about the world. They, too, continued to navigate life without delving into the profound intricacies of its workings. Their daily routine involved waking up, going to work, returning home, having dinner, and repeating it all the next day. Unlike Sisyphus, they encountered subtle variations in the small details of their lives, preventing their days from becoming entirely monotonous. However, one thing became evident: my parents, like Sisyphus, grappled with the ultimate meaning of life, a challenge that resonates with everyone. Instead of running away from the absurdity — the clash between the desire for meaning and the perceived meaninglessness of life — we should confront it directly. We should rebel against our absurd conditions by embracing life, creating our own meaning, and living authentically. It is in this confrontation that we can find happiness.
My parents each had their distinct approaches to this quest for meaning. My mom, who cherishes living in the present and seizing life’s moments while maintaining mindfulness, found meaning in the simplicity of life, particularly in her family. On the other hand, my dad took a different route. He delved into Buddhist philosophy at a religious institute, seeking explanations about life and finding meaning in leading an authentic life — helping others and nurturing a serene, pure heart.
These varied approaches illustrate how individuals establish their own rules and set their unique goals. Religion serves as a striking example, offering the promise of peace and awareness of an afterlife. Conversely, some individuals pursue monetary gain, seeking peace through financial stability in retirement. However, people can inadvertently confine themselves to a Sisyphean condition when they believe that reaching these milestones will free them from their “punishment.”
Sisyphus, in his eternal task, has no concept of a better day or an afterlife. His experiences are firmly rooted in the here and now. He fully embraces his task, rebelling against nihilism and despair, ultimately becoming the master of his own narrative. Even in his punishment, he finds freedom. Camus thus suggests that “we are free at every moment.” Rejecting the notion that we will one day find all the answers, conquer death, or attain complete happiness is a profound lesson we must internalize.
For Sisyphus, it is not about reaching the summit, as he inevitably does. It is about the satisfaction he derives while engaged in the task. We should apply this to our lives, too.
