One of the century's most famous intellectual pronouncements comes at the beginning of The Myth of Sisyphus: There is but one truly serious philosophical problem, and that is suicide. Judging whether life is or is not worth living amounts to answering the fundamental question of philosophy.
In "Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness," William Styron explores the depths of despair and the profound struggle with mental illness. He reflects on his battle with depression, highlighting the existential crisis that many face when contemplating the value of life. Styron suggests that this contemplation leads to the ultimate philosophical inquiry regarding the worth of existence itself.
One of the most iconic ideas presented in the broader philosophical context is from Albert Camus in "The Myth of Sisyphus," which states that the most significant philosophical question revolves around suicide. This raises a fundamental issue about whether life is worth living, a theme Styron grapples with throughout his memoir, ultimately seeking to illuminate the dark corners of the human experience and the search for meaning amidst suffering.
