The Myth of Sisyphus Audiobook By Albert Camus cover art

The Myth of Sisyphus

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The Myth of Sisyphus

By: Albert Camus
Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini
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One of the most influential works of this century, The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays is a crucial exposition of existentialist thought. Influenced by works such as Don Juan and the novels of Kafka, these essays begin with a meditation on suicide; the question of living or not living in a universe devoid of order or meaning.

With lyric eloquence, Albert Camus brilliantly posits a way out of despair, reaffirming the value of personal existence and the possibility of life lived with dignity and authenticity.

©1955 Alfred A. Knopf. Inc. (P)2019 Recorded Books Essays Philosophy Nonfiction Inspiring Witty Funny Thought-Provoking Scary Mythology
Profound Philosophical Insights • Thought-provoking Ideas • Excellent Recitation • Beautiful Writing Style • Perfect Voice
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Edoardo Ballerini gave an excellent recitation of Albert Camus book. While I found Camus' arguments well stated and even compelling, he ends up covering the main arguments repeatedly which made the 2nd half of book somewhat tiring.

An enlightening take on a worthy absurd life

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It's a short listen. And like a lot of writers, Nietzche and after, Camus presents his philosophy in a conversational tone. His profession, the theater, provides a lot of imagery, but rarely.
Honestly, I think they set themselves up poorly, lofty a goal to explain suicide. Behind Schopenhauer 'architectural' tone is a lecture rather a conversation regarding this issue. Camus addresses the issue directly. Personally, rather inconclusive.
Together however... Schopenhauer might have hit the nail on head as to the 'essence of suicide' while Camus deals with its current iteration.

Conversational tone, lots of imagery.

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A bit of deep thought, over fluffed opinions by the writers but we'll worth the pondering and internal debate of our own opinions

philosophy and essays

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The myth of Sisyphus is a classic. If you want to challenge your way of thinking and evolve philosophically this is a must.

His profound way of speaking.

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Camus is such a wonderful read every time and it's awesome to have someone reading it to you like this. So good. Best served with coffee.

Amazing

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This Edoardo Ballerini is awful. I've heard him in other books and really butchers the material. I prefer listen to a book and its contents rather than the cloying, over acted, heavily wistful performance. It's too bad this is a great book with fascinating ideas. Unfortunately the narrator reduces it to open mic night at the local coffee house...beret included.

Narrator Reduces Material to Open Mic Night

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The French philosopher's take on life and why it is worth living in an absurd world and why you must imagine Sisyphus happy.
This was a refreshing read. I felt out of my depth reading this book, but there was still enough I could grab onto and benefit from. The prose was interesting and kept it from becoming dense. Each paragraph was packed with meaning. I am looking forward to reading this again less casually and digging into some of the deeper thoughts.
If I had one complaint (and this is me grasping at straws to find a complaint), it would be that if you were looking for practical actionable advice this book doesn't have it. Rather it is more on adapting an outlook and acceptance.
It is an encouraging book that often led to me greeting the day with a brighter outlook and for that I am thankful. This book ranks right up there with my favorites.

Adapting an outlook and acceptance

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Along with Fromm's Escape from Freedom this book is good training in suicide
prevention for the future thinking people of the World Wars 3 & 4 although by the time of world war 5 the thoughtful people will be either extinct or incapable o such subtle thought. that's when the new Camus must arise! raw.atx

WWII Suicide Prevention

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I've been listening to more on existentialism and so far Albert Camus doesn't disappoint!

Great book discussing existentialism!

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Albert Camus’ *The Myth of Sisyphus* explores the concept of existentialism and the absurd, focusing on how humans confront the meaninglessness of life. Here are the key takeaways:

1. **The Absurdity of Life**: Camus argues that life is inherently meaningless, and humans naturally seek meaning where none exists. This "absurd condition" arises from the conflict between our desire for meaning and the indifferent, chaotic universe.

2. **Revolt Against the Absurd**: Camus suggests that the proper response to the absurd is not despair or suicide but rebellion. By accepting life’s lack of inherent meaning and continuing to live fully and passionately, one can find personal freedom and empowerment.

3. **Sisyphus as a Metaphor**: The myth of Sisyphus, who is condemned to roll a boulder up a hill only for it to roll back down each time, represents the human condition. Camus sees Sisyphus as the ultimate symbol of the absurd hero—embracing his futile task and finding meaning in the struggle itself.

4. **Living Without Hope for Transcendence**: Camus rejects the idea of hoping for some ultimate meaning (whether religious or philosophical) beyond this life. Instead, he advocates for living in the present and appreciating life's experiences, however fleeting or repetitive they may be.

5. **Happiness in the Struggle**: Even though the struggle against the absurd seems endless, Camus asserts that individuals can find joy in embracing it. He famously concludes that “one must imagine Sisyphus happy,” as acceptance of the absurd leads to a new type of freedom.

Ultimately, *The Myth of Sisyphus* challenges readers to confront the harsh truths of existence while still finding value and meaning through personal experiences and resilience.

Absurdly good

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