The Stranger
byAlbert Camus
A powerful, deep and revealing philosophical narrative around, "what is the meaning of life" and whether having a differing meaning from the average consensus of society forfeits one's own humanity. The stranger also takes a look at how extreme indifference in the world and lack of purpose can make one complacent to the whims and motivations of others, when you have a personal void that is easy to fill externally. I thought deeply about how effortless emotional control or however you categorize it as demonstrated by the protagonist was seen as something only a monster was capable of and not a human, but yet how extreme emotional expressions often create the most pain.
Motivations to Read
Learning more about stoicism and developing a trait of indifference to some degree as a byproduct, I am curious to see how that theme is explored in The Stranger.
3 Reasons to Read
- Story of a man who believes life is meaningless and the effect it has on him and those around him.
- Narrative around Existentialism
- If you enjoy the blend between psychology and philosophy
Notable Quotes
“I may not have been sure about what really did interest me, but I was absolutely sure about what didn't.” Albert Camus
“I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the world.” Albert Camus
“Mostly, I could tell, I made him feel uncomfortable. He didn't understand me, and he was sort of holding it against me. I felt the urge to reassure him that I was like everybody else, just like everybody else. But really there wasn't much point, and I gave up the idea out of laziness.” Albert Camus
“I realized then that a man who had lived only one day could easily live for a hundred years in prison. He would have enough memories to keep him from being bored” Albert Camus
“I felt that I had been happy and that I was happy again. For everything to be consummated, for me to feel less alone, I had only to wish that there be a large crowd of spectators the day of my execution and that they greet me with cries of hate.” Albert Camus
“I explained to him, however, that my nature was such that my physical needs often got in the way of my feelings.” Albert Camus
The Stranger Notes & Summary
