Sudden recall…. For context: So I’ve read a couple of classics by Dostoevsky, Kafka and Camus. But when I started off reading the book ‘The myth of Sisyphus’ I felt stuck. As far as I remember there were a lot of references to the works of other philosophers which I felt hard to link and understand.
So my question is, is the book hard in real or am I too dumb! 🥲
by girlandherclassics
2 Comments
For me it was hard. It was the first time I was introduced to philosophical writing and it took me like a month to finish despite the size. But then again, maybe we’re both just dumb.
Not understanding references is not being dumb. Dostoevsky and Kafka are novelists with philosophical inclinations and as such read easily and breezily. The Myth is much more a philosophical work first and requires more background, concentration, and effort. Do get a version with footnotes if you want to try again, otherwise, there’s no shame in not wanting to read a heavy philosophy book. I myself always prefer books that present their philosophy in a less heavy-handed fashion.