Albert Camus

Date of Birth: November 7, 1913

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: January 4, 1960

Biography

Albert Camus was a French philosopher, author, and journalist, born on November 7, 1913, in Mondovi, French Algeria. He is best known for his contributions to the philosophy of absurdism, a concept that explores the conflict between humans’ tendency to seek inherent meaning in life and the silent, indifferent universe that offers none. Camus’s works often reflect his belief that life is without meaning, but that individuals must nonetheless seek to create their own purpose. Camus’s early life was marked by poverty and the death of his father in World War I. He excelled academically and attended the University of Algiers, where he studied philosophy and played soccer until a bout of tuberculosis ended his athletic pursuits. During World War II, he joined the French Resistance and became the editor-in-chief of the underground newspaper “Combat.” His most famous works include “The Stranger” (1942), “The Myth of Sisyphus” (1942), and “The Plague” (1947). In 1957, Camus was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his important literary production, which illuminates the human conscience. He died in a car accident on January 4, 1960, in Villeblevin, France, at the age of 46.

5 Interesting Facts about Albert Camus

1. Albert Camus was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1957 at the age of 44, making him the second-youngest recipient ever.

2. Camus was an avid soccer player in his youth and attributed much of his philosophical thinking to the sport.

3. He was a member of the French Resistance during World War II and edited the underground newspaper “Combat.”

4. Camus was a staunch critic of totalitarianism and was vocal in his opposition to both the Soviet regime and French colonialism in Algeria.

5. His death in a car accident was particularly tragic as he was found with an unused train ticket in his pocket, suggesting he had considered taking the train instead.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Albert Camus

1. “The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.”

2. “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”

3. “Man is the only creature who refuses to be what he is.”

4. “Live to the point of tears.”

5. “You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Camus’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but his Nobel Prize winnings and continued royalties from his works likely provided him with a comfortable lifestyle.