“I’m experiencing nothing positive in my life.”
That’s a thought I used to start and end my days with. Every day seemed identical, and even food lost its flavor. I followed all the expected steps: excelled academically, gained admission to a reputable university, and secured what seemed like the perfect job.
“Is this all life has to offer?”
In my youth, I felt invigorated. So what if I didn’t ace my physics exam? I’d improve next time. So what if a few people distanced themselves from me? I’d make new friends. I balanced studying with leisure activities and reading.
As I entered my twenties, insignificant matters that once barely registered became consuming thoughts. The routine of life transformed into an inescapable labyrinth.
Wake up, work, return home, sleep.
Repeating this cycle, I’d ponder, “Is this all?”
I reached an emotional state where nothing seemed significant. But here’s what I learned that might alter your perspective on life:
“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” — Albert Camus
Absurdism, a philosophy that mirrors life’s contradictions, resonates with me. It acknowledges the disparity between human desire for purpose and the chaotic universe’s indifference.
Life is nonsensical. You’re born into a world with preestablished rules, where attempting to break free often leads to setbacks. We strive, eat, and function, but forget to ask a crucial question: Are we happy?
Absurdism doesn’t offer meaning; it states there isn’t any. Life lacks logic and inherent purpose. Rather than blaming others for our misery, absurdism urges us to confront life’s absurdity.
When forced to seek meaning, we exhaust ourselves. But what if there isn’t any? What if the journey itself is more valuable than any lesson it teaches?
Albert Camus, in “The Stranger,” encapsulates this sentiment: “I looked up at the mass of signs and stars in the night sky and laid myself open for the first time to the benign indifference of the world.”
Absurdism acknowledges life’s irrationalities. It asserts that life lacks intrinsic value, urging us to assign meaning ourselves. Rather than succumbing to despair, absurdism invites us to confront life’s absurdity and find significance amidst chaos.
Last year, when my workplace faced financial ruin, I questioned, “Why me?” Despair led me to retreat into a world of entertainment.
Embracing absurdism, I thought:
- It’s not solely my fault.
- There will be other opportunities.
Adding “so what” to my despair transformed my outlook.
So what if I’m earning less?
So what if I don’t own a business yet?
I started a blog. Despite fears, I persevered. Today, I’ve garnered a following of over 50,000 readers.
Can this philosophy help you? Maybe. Embrace freedom. Reject predefined paths. Create your own purpose. Don’t let setbacks deter you.
At the core:
- Forge Your Path: Embrace freedom. Define your purpose.
- Find Joy in Small Moments: Cherish life’s fleeting moments.
- Build Resilience: Adapt and overcome setbacks.
In essence, embrace life’s absurdity. Create your own purpose. Don’t let fear hold you back from pursuing your dreams.
