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It happens that the stage sets collapse. Rising, streetcar, four hours in the office or the factory, meal, streetcar, four hours of work, meal, sleep and Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday and Saturday according to the same rhythm - this path is easily followed most of the time. But one day the 'why' arises and everything begins in that weariness tinged with amazement.

Albert Camus#29

LifeMeaningAbsurdityExistentialismRoutine

About this quote

What does it mean?
Daily routine repeats mechanically until one questions its purpose, sparking existential weariness.
In plain terms
Life feels automatic until you ask why you do it.
What can you take from it?
Questioning routine reveals the meaning of life.

Where it applies

  • midlife crisis
  • daily grind
  • philosophical reflection

Putting it to work

  • reflect on daily habits
  • seek purpose in work

Questions to consider

  • What makes life feel meaningless?
  • How do you find purpose?

Another view

Some find comfort in routine without questioning.

More from Albert Camus

  1. At any street corner the feeling of absurdity can strike any man in the face.

    Permalink to quote #28
  2. If I try to seize this self of which I feel sure, if I try to define and to summarize it, it is nothing but water slipping through my fingers. I can sketch one…

    Permalink to quote #30
  3. Great feelings take with them their own universe, splendid or abject. They light up with their passion an exclusive world in which they recognize their climate…

    Permalink to quote #27

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