The symphony of life: finding meaning amidst the absurd

We often take for granted the basic experiences of life - being born, living, eating, and loving. Yet, these are precious and rare occurrences in the grand scheme of the universe. We frequently believe that good is quieter than evil, and ultimately prevails. However, when we observe our planet, we see that barren, lifeless places are far more common than vibrant, teeming with life. Moreover, the inescapable fate of all living beings is death. In this context, one could argue that evil appears to be the norm, while good is the exception.

Is this a pessimistic view? Not necessarily. We should be profoundly grateful for the good and the life we experience. We must understand that the incredible, wondrous symphony we perceive is that of good, which, despite all evil and against all odds, continues to shine in all its magnificence.

In this effort, we have two guides: Viktor Frankl and Albert Camus, who offer fascinating and complementary perspectives on the search for meaning in life, addressing the theme of human existence in ways that, while different, intertwine at key points.

Frankl, drawing from his experiences in Nazi concentration camps, developed logotherapy, a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the search for meaning as the primary motivation of human beings. He believed that "man is not driven by the pursuit of pleasure or power, but by the search for meaning."

A central concept in Frankl's thought is that, despite extreme circumstances, every individual has the freedom to choose their attitude and meaning. As he famously stated, "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances."

Frankl argued that suffering can lead to profound meaning. His assertion, "He who has a why to live can bear almost any how," underscores the importance of having a purpose, even in the face of adversity.

Camus, on the other way, explored the concept of the "absurd," which arises from the tension between the human quest for meaning and the indifference of the universe. In his essay "The Myth of Sisyphus," Camus stated that, despite life's absurdity, we can find joy and meaning in our rebellion against this condition.

Camus proposed that true freedom lies in the ability to confront the absurd and live fully without seeking definitive answers. His view is that, even if life lacks intrinsic meaning, we can create our own meaning through our actions and choices.

Camus concluded that "one must imagine Sisyphus happy," suggesting that the struggle itself and the commitment to life can be sources of meaning, despite the awareness of our mortality and the absurdity of the human condition.

While Frankl seeks intrinsic meaning in life and suffering, Camus embraces the idea that life is devoid of objective meaning and that rebellion against this absence is what gives value to existence. Both recognize suffering as an integral part of the human experience; however, Frankl views it as an opportunity to find meaning, while Camus sees it as an element of the absurd to confront.

These two authors provide two perspectives that, despite their differing foundations, converge in celebrating life and the human freedom to seek meaning, even in a world that may seem devoid of it.