Absurdism during an absurd time.

During these absurd times, it can feel like the world is ending, we as humans can find solace in the things, we do that give our life meaning. The coronavirus pandemic is sweeping the globe and people are being forced into isolation for the health and safety of all but during these isolating times, we can become lonely and question the meaning of any and everything. This can lead us down a rabbit hole by saying that life has no meaning but by realizing this you can become an absurdist by accepting that life is meaningless and living the life you wish to live despite your knowledge of the absurd.

Pandemics are absurd times because they're not normal they simply happen and shake up society. Our current pandemic consisting of the coronavirus is absurd because we haven't had a global pandemic the size of this one in many years. This pandemic being absurd isn't too say that life isn't absurd in general, absurdism argued by Camus says that there isn't an objective answer to the question, what is the meaning of existence? Without an objective answer you must, according to Camus and other absurdists accept the absurdity of life and find your subjective answer and make your own meaning.

Absurdism refers heavily to the “absurd” this absurd is the conflict that happens when humans seek out any purpose or value in life and come up empty-handed with no purpose or meaning coming out of this conflict. Absurdist philosophers want us to accept the absurdity of life and in turn, our life will be more fulfilled with joyful willed experiences. To comprehend the absurdist philosophy, you must understand the myth of Sisyphus, he was condemned to repeat the meaningless task of pushing a boulder up the mountain to watch it just roll back down. We as humans are like Sisyphus because we can't help but look for meaning in a meaningless world just to see our answers tumble back down and force us to make a new meaning.

Camus argues that the only true philosophical question is one of suicide because when dealing with the absurdity of life we must ask ourselves, is life worth living? Once you overcome the underlying premise that life is absurd, you must develop your reason for making life worthwhile and doing so you're in a way overcoming the absurdity of life by chasing meaning in a meaningless world. Finding things in life that you enjoy will give you a sense of meaning and purpose without enjoyment in any activity we can't find any purpose and in turn, we submit to the absurd and will wallow in it to the point of loneliness, depression or even suicide which isn't what anyone wants.

Tons of people during this pandemic are finding it problematic, trying to cope with everything that is happening so may I suggest absurdism to help you cope. As people, I think this pandemic is showing how naturally social we are as humans and how being isolated for a long period of time we become complacent in whatever is happening and we lose enjoyment in things we normally do for entertainment. Find solace in absurdism by responding to the absurd and seeking out your own intrinsic value in life even when it feels like the absurd is taking over and that there isn't any objective value in life. Because one must imagine Sisyphus happy.