Albert Camus, in his philosophical essay, addresses the question of suicide as a fundamental issue of existentialism. Camus posits that the question of whether life is worth living or not is the most critical question of philosophy. His exploration of this topic is grounded in the confrontation between the human desire for meaning, order, and clarity, and the silent, indifferent universe that offers none.

Camus states, “This question arises when the individual stops deceiving himself or herself and sees the world without preconceived illusions.” This means that the question of suicide becomes pressing when a person confronts the absurdity of existence. The “absurd” refers to the conflict between the human tendency to seek inherent value and meaning in life and the inability to find any in a chaotic, indifferent universe.

Camus argues that once we acknowledge the absurd, the initial reaction may be despair and a consideration of suicide. However, he suggests that rather than leading to self-destruction, this realization should prompt a rebellion. For Camus, the appropriate response to the absurd is to live in spite of it, to continue searching for meaning and creating value through our actions, even if the universe remains indifferent.

Camus believes that confronting the absurd nature of life without illusions does not necessitate suicide. Instead, it opens up the possibility for a life lived with full awareness of its lack of inherent meaning, embracing the freedom to create one’s own meaning and purpose.