“Revolt is the assertion of human dignity in the face of the absurd. It is a form of hope—not optimistic hope, but defiant hope... To live is to revolt against all that denies life. The rebel says 'I revolt, therefore I am.'”
Camus develops a philosophy of revolt (révolte) as the appropriate response to the absurd. Revolt is not violent revolution but a conscious, continuous affirmation of value and dignity despite meaninglessness. It is neither passive resignation nor despairing action.
This distinguishes Camus from both nihilists and ideologues. The rebel recognizes the absurd but refuses to accept injustice, suffering, or dehumanization. Revolt is an ethical stance—it implicitly affirms common human dignity.
Commentary
Camus develops a philosophy of revolt (révolte) as the appropriate response to the absurd. Revolt is not violent revolution but a conscious, continuous affirmation of value and dignity despite meaninglessness. It is neither passive resignation nor despairing action.
This distinguishes Camus from both nihilists and ideologues. The rebel recognizes the absurd but refuses to accept injustice, suffering, or dehumanization. Revolt is an ethical stance—it implicitly affirms common human dignity.