The Myth of Sisyphus

By: Albert Camus

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini

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

Talisman for diminishing suicide in our times

The Myth of Sisyphus, by Albert Camus, and narrated by Edoardo Ballerini. The essay(s) will provide insight into the meaningfulness of life. The essay(s) seek out and find the purpose for living even if you are a nihilist, an atheist, or a depressed bigot; and you believe the people you distaste are becoming ubiquitous, this read or listen will make you overcome that negativity.

Camus is not an easy read. First, because his vocabulary is advanced, and he will express himself in five-dollar words. There is nothing simple in his lexicon. Further, do not be surprised if you find dozens of sentences with three words you need to look up in the dictionary to recalculate the subtlety of its meaning. (You will find though his chosen words are precisely communicative.) Notwithstanding his diction, what he seeks to explain to the reader is not something that can be expressed in words: the world is strange and unfathomable yet there is something there to appreciate although what that is will never be known, so go at it with exuberance. Yes, I know that is not easy to grasp but neither is Camus. Hint – if you do take on the entertainment make sure you grasp what Camus means by the word absurd.

If you choose this intellectually gratifying challenge, be prepared for a reading that is only a little easier then Ulysses by James Joyce. Yet, it will get you to a better place in life; happier with what you have. It is the talisman for diminishing suicide in our times.

Camus’ Essays at his very Best

Most Wonderfully read of the best essays of Camus, who is known for his great novels, especially “The Stranger” that I highly recommend in the Audible selection. This collection of essays present his philosophy of the Absurd in Existentialism. Camus deeply believed that the Primary Philosophical Act of Life is the Ultimate Question of Suicide in the Shakespearean Realm of “To Be or not to Be” in his Hamlet Drama. Since we all choose Life, it is our moral obligation to seek Happiness, and no matter how difficult or Absurd Life seems at times, the Will and Hope to attain a Blissful moment of Happiness is worth it all as his enlightening “Myth of Sisyphus” exemplifies. All these essays have many Gems of Wisdom conveyed in them and Albert Camus is a marvelous writer. You will not be disappointed in this edifying listening experience. I plowed through these exceptional essays and reaped the harvest of the Quest we all should attend to in our Search for Our Creator. Gloria Deo In Excelsis, the Giver of our True Happiness here on His Earthly Paradise as the Hopefulness of what’s to Come. Heaven and Hell are not geographical locations but states of mind. Be Mindful as you Enjoy these essays! Peace. Shalom, Shalom. Watch The Chosen!

CAPTIVATING, ENTHRALLING, MASTERPIECE

I have read this book at least three times back to back! It is brilliantly authored and narrated. The author is brilliant in his description of the myth of Sisyphus. I like how he is deep and analytical of the abstract man! He looks at suicide in a way I had never looked at it! I love to drive and listen to him. He submerged my thoughts in a metaphysical world like no one else could! Most importantly, I am able to learn from him a writing style embellished with the fusion of simplicity, complexity and mystic vision.

Not as good as I remembered it back in high school

I had read the Myth of Sisyphus back in high school. The character resonated with me during a period of struggle. I saw this on the daily special and decided to read it again with a more adult perspective. It was completely different from my first experience. I probably only had read the short chapter about the Myth itself as the first part had a lot of philosophy and history about how the philosophy had developed. The narrator did an okay job with somewhat dry material. The myth chapter seemed to be far too short. I did enjoy some of the essays at the end of the book as the stories were a lot more interesting than simple dry philosophy.

Beginner’s Mind

I am a relative new comer to philosophy and even newer to western philosophy and Existentialism.
I landed on this book through another series of lectures on Existentialism which I found here on Audible. I paused the lecture series when they got to discussing this book and I came over here for a reading of this book hoping it would bring more context and understanding to the lecture series mentioned above. I will now return to the lecture series and see how it goes.
With regard to this book. The narrator is excellent. I believe I’ve heard him in other readings on audible and his enunciation and cadence gives a beginner like me a fair chance at grasping some of the ideas as they are being read.
As for the writing itself I found the first part of the book where Camus is explaining his concepts and the purpose behind the book a little hard to follow. It will definitely require a rereading. But the essays in the appendix are beautifully written and conjure gorgeous images in the flowing style of Camus that I came to love in his other book The Stranger.
Strangely The Stranger was not available on Audible due to Geographic Restrictions (whatever that means). So I had to go to Apple Books to get that one.
I’m still on the fence about Existentialism. I’m hoping that what seems complex concepts will become more understandable as it all sinks in.
Hope you enjoy this book.