[v4dok]

I spent a time reading camus and existentialism in general which heavily impacted my view as well. I really liked the paradigm of sisyphus because it very clearly illustrated the concept of the absurd.

I like to think that it doesn't really matter. Do i move rocks, do I write software, or fall in love in the end we will die.

Maybe our existence amounts to nothing since the outcome is the same, but then, everything matters as much as we care for it to matter. The rebellion against the absurd is to live a full life as we enjoy it. For me it may be helping others, or smelling trees and tending to my children, for someone else it may be organizing a world dictatorship, or rebeling against one. There is no inherent better way to live because the result is the same. As Tolkien also said after living through the horrors of war "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us"

For me this kind of life stance also helped me get off the hamster wheel of always chasing more and aspiring to things that society/capitalism tells us are important and virtuous, but instead focusing on what makes me happy , releasing this feeling of longing for the greener grass

[wwarner]

I would agree with most of this, but would point out that science does advance, hilariously and almost accidentally, and that gives me hope. I guess Camus would classify me as foolishly optimistic, but to me the possibility that the universe is intelligible gives me patience.

[irishloop]

I am not really sure why the advancement of science really changes the equation. You will surely die as the next human. The advancement of science does not spare you this suffering.

[hnfong]

And science (and humanity) will inevitably fall too. Perhaps in the distant future, but it will fall nonetheless.

[sentientslug]

I would love some suggestions for existentialist reading if its not too much trouble.

[Tainnor]

Sartre would be the most popular author, with "No Exit" (Huis Clos) being the classic text (it includes the famous "Hell is other people" line). I'm personally also rather fond of The Flies (Les Mouches).