By Eric Maisel

Kirism is a modern philosophy I've developed over several decades, blending psychological, philosophical, and existential insights with an understanding of human nature and the challenges we face today. In this series, we will explore the concept of absurd rebellion and why a Kirist embraces this viewpoint. This is the first entry in a four-part series. For more on Kirism, refer to "Lighting the Way," where the philosophy is introduced. Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] for any inquiries about Kirism.

As a Kirist, I find myself more at ease with absurdity than others might be. We acknowledge the harsh reality of absurdity, recognizing its demoralizing effects, while wishing life were less nonsensical. However, our primary stance is, “I will not allow absurdity to take away my freedom.”

For a century and a half, discussions surrounding absurdity thrived in various circles. While everyday people might not have engaged in these conversations, those of us who did often did so in private.

In those moments, we observed the world around us, shaking our heads in disbelief at the absurdity of our existence. We pondered the absurdity of being aware of our mortality and feeling the weight of it. We questioned the significance of our beginnings and the burdens we carry, lamenting the randomness of our circumstances.

It is absurd that virtue often goes unrewarded, that the self-righteous can be deceitful, and that wealth disparity continues to grow. The sheer absurdity of societal structures led to movements focused solely on highlighting this absurdity, questioning concepts like “truth” and the value of art.

Yet, at some point, we ceased to engage with the notion of absurdity. We accepted life’s inherent deceitfulness, including absurdity in that verdict, and discarded the concept as if it were a burden.

We reached a stage where discussing absurdity seemed pointless. Although we recognized it as a fundamental aspect of existence, we chose to ignore it, leading to further despair.

We turned away from the idea of absurdity, attempting to suppress it even as life became increasingly nonsensical. We busied ourselves with distractions and sought relief through medication, all the while avoiding the truth.

The mistake was grave: trying to ignore absurdity only deepened our predicament. Now is the time to confront it once more. Let us shout, “How absurd!” as we observe the human experience. It stings, but honesty compels us to acknowledge this reality.

This acknowledgment can be painful, as it implies that “life is ludicrous,” “life is unjust,” and “nothing truly matters.” While we might laugh at the absurdity, that laughter often carries a bitter edge.

We must revisit these painful absurdities to truly grasp our challenges and determine our next steps. Here are a few examples, just enough to illustrate our absurd reality.

I may hold a deep-seated belief in helping those in need, yet I also entertain cynicism about the intentions of those I encounter. How absurd it is to embody both these contradictory perspectives!

I remain the same individual throughout the day, my core values unchanged. However, the manifestation of those values can vary drastically even within a few hours. How absurd!

After reading a compelling interview, you may feel the urge to fight against the societal forces that oppress you. Yet, the thought of engaging in such a battle feels absurd. What impact could you truly have? You find yourself feeling helpless.

Isn't it equally absurd to continue your routine as if you are unaware of these injustices? Working tirelessly in a dead-end job just to pay rent in an overpriced city, while being exploited, and doing nothing in response?

Perhaps you feel unmotivated to fight back; your greatest desire might be to pen a psychological thriller set in 1920s Paris. But what significance does that hold? Who needs another story? How absurd to dedicate your life to such a pursuit!

You may cherish your partner above all, but what if they are on the verge of committing a grievous betrayal? Should you still stand by them, risking your own integrity? How absurd!

You might understand the role of mass entertainment in sedating the public, yet your young child yearns to see a popular Disney film. Should you deny them that simple joy? Do you attempt a conversation invoking Adorno’s critique of Disney? What an absurd scenario!

Even more absurd, you could be an animator who loves creating such films. You see their flaws, yet you also feel a longing to be part of that world. Truly, could anything be more absurd?

If we had the fortitude, we could continue to explore numerous examples. But let’s distill the essence: absurdity is an inescapable part of our lives, regardless of our attempts to deny it. It is far better to confront it—whether with bitterness or hearty laughter—and then continue living.

This article was previously published on The Good Men Project.