If one believes Homer, Sisyphus was the wisest and most prudent of mortals. According to another tradition, however, he was disposed to practice the profession of highwayman. I see no contradiction in this.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Sisyphus is portrayed as both wise and a thief, showing that human nature contains contradictions.
- In plain terms
- Sisyphus was both wise and a criminal, showing humans are complex.
- What can you take from it?
- Human nature is contradictory.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can one person be two opposites?
- What defines human nature?
Another view
Some traditions present Sisyphus more consistently.
More from Albert Camus
I should like to be able to love my country and still love justice. I don't want just any greatness for it, particularly a greatness born of blood and falsehoo…
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Permalink to quote #150 I loathe none but executioners.
Permalink to quote #147
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