The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays

The Myth of Sisyphus is a philosophical essay by Albert Camus. It comprises about 120 pages & was published originally in '42 in French as Le Mythe de Sisyphe. An English translation by Justin O'Brien followed in '55.

In the essay, Camus introduces his philosophy of the absurd: our futile search for meaning, unity & clarity in the face of an unintelligible world devoid of god & eternity. Does the realization of the absurd require suicide? He answers: "No. It requires revolt." He then outlines several approaches to the absurd life. The final chapter compares the absurdity of life with the situation of Sisyphus, a figure of Greek mythology who was condemned to repeat forever the same meaningless task of pushing a rock up a mountain, only to see it roll down again. The essay concludes, "The struggle itself...is enough to fill a man's heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy."

The work should be seen in relation to other works by Camus: the novel The Stranger ('42), the play Caligula ('45), & especially the essay The Rebel ('51) which was completed prior to his death in '60 in a car accident.