Cowardly Rebellion

“I cannot help being partial to him for his failings, for weaknesses so human as to make this delicate and wounded poet a man like the rest of us, full of cowardice and rebellion: a man who prayed to God with his soul and who sinned with his mind.” — Albert Camus, “A New Verlaine” in Cahiers Albert Camus II: Youthful Writings, first appeared in Sud, 1932

I think we’ve all found characters we’ve liked that have flaws. It makes them seem more real, gives them some depth. Lack of flaws was always a problem I had with some of the great comic book hero’s of previous eras, or certain movie characters that are just too one dimensional to be true. I think in my own life I’ve appreciated those who have recognized my failings (whatever they might be) and looked past them to see what else I might have to offer. I try to do this with others as well. In particular I think Camus was very aware of his own failings, the reality and failures of his upbringing, and the problems in the world around him in both his early and later life. I think we’re all awestruck by great persons, even today we can see this in the hero-like worship of people like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk, or even President Obama. But none of them are perfect, and it’s important to remember this when discussing their legacies, and scrutinizing or criticizing their actions. Which we certainly should do.

I also like that even this early on in his writings that Camus was discussing rebellion as a human and desirable trait. The essays that accompany the English translation of his early works go into great detail about his frame of mind and progression through this period, and I suggest one read them. But even without the insightful commentary on can see in his early works the glimmers of his recognition of the Absurd, the contradictions and paradoxes that accompany one through life. That one can pray with the soul, but sin with the mind, that even rebels can be cowards, and cowards rebels in their own way. Earlier in the essay he details the writings of Verlaine, in a way that I think speaks to any youth, the desire to do and be good, but the drive to also taste of the fruits of life that can mean “sin.” It’s no wonder that he was so drawn to Schopenhauer and Nietzsche, with their nihilistic tendencies and pessimism towards these cultural norms that hold one back form experiencing all life has to offer, so long as one is aware of it. The need to be aware of ones actions, of the conflicts internal and external is important for an Absurdist. One will never be free of failings, but they shouldn’t hold you back, just as sins shouldn’t stop you from praying, prayer won’t stop you from sinning (rebellion vs God). Not that one should believe in either of these things anyway. ;)

-DA

Cahiers II Albert Camus Youthful Writings https://amzn.to/2CXuqO1

Paul Verlaine: Selected Poems https://amzn.to/2MeM0QH <-Many also available at Project Gutenberg

And his Wikipedia page if you’re unfamiliar: Paul Verlaine