Albert Camus Lyrical and Critical Essays

on Happiness, Despair, the Art of Awareness, and Why We Travel

In praise of travel and experiencing the present moment, Camus’ Lyrical and Critical Essays are a trip. Recently discovered it, thanks to brainpickings, and its qualities rise up to grab the reader. It’s beautifully written, insightful and full of spirit and emotion. Camus hits us where we live with words like this:

“There is no love of life without despair of life.” (from Love of Life)
“Knowing that certain nights whose sweetness lingers will keep returning to the earth and sea after we are gone, yes, this helps us die.” (from The Sea Close by)

These essays are more powerful than The Stranger, perhaps even more powerful than a speeding bullet.