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nsefan t1_iw2rw1n wrote

This is surprisingly inspirational, especially coming from Camus.

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Mortecaiii t1_iw30yue wrote

I think a lot of existentialist sound like Debby downers but really it's more about having agency over your own life and not letting "the machine" dictate what you should and shouldn't be doing.

In order to get there you have to go into long discussions on what the "machine" is which can come off as pessimism at best but the outcome of these ideas is usually one of hope.

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MrAC_4891 t1_iw3hbmx wrote

Camus is not an existentialist. He actually rather detested being lumped with existentialists.

Camus is an absurdist.

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Mortecaiii t1_iw3kd5h wrote

You are correct.

It's rather complicated because absurdity is such a key component to existentialism.

Even looking at the most influential existentialist they most definitely didn't agree on everything.

I think in that regard you could still consider him an existentialist but we all don't look at these labels the same way.

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adviceKiwi t1_iw3mo1s wrote

> is surprisingly inspirational, especially coming from Camus.

Was he a bit of a Debbie downer?

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The-Hand-of-Midas t1_iw4khv2 wrote

Imo, if someone talks about mortality at all, even mention we aren't immortal, people think they are a downer.

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ujusujuba t1_iw4kdu6 wrote

I love the fuller quote:

My dear, In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love. In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile. In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm. I realized, through it all, that… In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.

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foxyfree t1_iw3x84v wrote

As someone deeply influenced by Existentialism (absurdist Camus gets lumped in with them) in my formative young adult years, I must say embracing life’s absurdity makes goal setting especially difficult. Without clear goals, motivation becomes a challenge. I suppose it is especially inspirational and motivating to see Camus had such inner positivity and it is a good reminder to choose happiness, to choose our goals and follow through.

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FarFetchedSketch t1_iw40xvn wrote

Stoicism adds the actionable structure that I think existentialist (and moreso with absurdist) philosophy lack.

I still need to read Meditations by Marcus Aurelius q_q

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OJimmy t1_iw341rg wrote

Surprised at this pep talk after the emptiness I felt reading "The Stranger"

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Ihavealpacas t1_iw3mowu wrote

For me this was starting my running training after I got separated in December. I started my running during the darkest part of the year and the rainiest! Now that daylight savings has started my heart and habits were ready for it to be dark AF and I didn't care. I am committed to my practice and I've been enjoying running at night after work. I've been thriving during a time where I'd usually be depressed and off due to how dark it is when I get off work. Now that I've kept the practice going through last winter, the darkness isn't bothering me at all.

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ManaGauge t1_iw2geal wrote

The human spirit and will are some of the craziest things born of this universe!

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mcboogerballs1980 t1_iw4kkal wrote

How do you know? They could be fantastically mundane.

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ManaGauge t1_iw4kpt9 wrote

You'll have to forgive me, I was belligerently high then, just as I am now.

You're mundane

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kilani912 t1_iw4ckof wrote

This quote aided me in turning my whole life around during the darkest of times. It taught me resilience is generated from within, everything clicked after.

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waflikky t1_iw4gayt wrote

Maybe down vote me but I hate when the title of the post is literally the text from the post

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praiseullr t1_iw2n65i wrote

Camus kinda looks like Elon musk in that picture, never noticed it before.

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adviceKiwi t1_iw3mev6 wrote

> Camus kinda looks like Elon musk in that picture, never noticed it before.

Because of the receding hairline?

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Training-Prize3140 t1_iw3zdua wrote

Oh Camus, you always make it sound so easy *sighs in agreement

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remymartinia t1_iw4n815 wrote

“One must imagine Sisyphus happy.”

I love the thought of that. Everyday, I push a rock up a hill, too. It’s sometimes good to be content with your lot in life.

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truejamo t1_iw44hty wrote

Something better? As in Summer is better than Winter? Good joke.

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Imcalledtex t1_iw5o7cc wrote

Camus’ Myth of Sisyphus is great. In an insane world, the only solution is to be defiant. Be like Sisyphus and roll that rock uphill for the rest of your life.

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mcpickledick t1_iw6ncm5 wrote

"I'm so happy, cus today I found my friends, they're in my head".

  • Kurt Cobain
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AdligerAdler t1_iw5rxnx wrote

To hell with summer. In the midst of it I find an invincible winter in me and that makes me happy.

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The_camperdave t1_iw48vqk wrote

> “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.”

Wasn't this the guy who froze to death, trekking through the snow in shorts and an "invincible summer" t-shirt?

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EnzyteWorked4Me t1_iw54lug wrote

Tell me why this guy is remembered. I saw his wiki page I do the same thing as him however I did not write a book about it.

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