I took a degree in French literature in University. You know, the most practical undergraduate degree one can have in California. Despite the self-mockery, for as often as people ask me why the hell I chose that as my area of study, I don’t regret the choice. During my upper division courses, I had to study Existentialism.

Every time we read Sartre, I felt overwhelmed by despair. There was so much of a “what’s the point?!” tone to his views on life and living.

But Camus! Yes, you are thrown into this life with no control over the circumstances of your birth, but every single choice and act is impactful. It’s an act of radical freedom, so long as you have the courage to be true to who you are: no matter the external pressure.

I reread Camus for comfort. And, as I’ve learned more about the man himself, it’s kind of nice to see that he never considered himself an existentialist. I always thought his views were a stark contrast, and now I guess I know why.

I’ll close this little ode to Albert with a couple of quotes for you all on this Thursday night.

“Man is the only animal that refuses to be what he is.”

“It was in the depths of winter that I discovered within me there lay an invincible summer.”

“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.”

“Always go too far, because that is where you’ll find the truth.”

“I know of only one duty, and that is to love.”

Blessings to you all.