imagine sisyphus happy

(This game is best played when downloaded to a computer, please do so below if you are able.)

In Greek Mythology, Sisyphus was a pretty bad dude, even considered a tyrant, who defied death twice and generally upset the gods. He was cursed to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity, only for it to fall back down when he neared the top, never able to complete his task. Albert Camus, a philosopher and author, used this myth in his 1942 essay, The Myth of Sisyphus, to highlight the absurdity of the human condition. We tend to search for meaning in a meaningless world, but by choosing what has meaning in our lives, we are able to find peace in the absurd. Camus saw Sisyphus as a hero, constantly choosing to push the boulder again and again without giving up. At the end of the essay, he leaves Sisyphus facing the challenge once more, and asserts that “one must imagine Sisyphus happy.” One must believe he finds joy in his task, choosing his meaning and thus giving his life purpose.

By imagining Sisyphus happy, one decides what makes a good life, choosing what has value or meaning. If Sisyphus is unhappy, doomed to his impossible task, then life is pointless and has no meaning. However, by being happy, Sisyphus is deciding that life does in fact have meaning.

If you’re afraid that you will lead a meaningless life, that when you die you will return to dust and be forgotten, this story can provide a hopeful lesson. Similarly, this game is meant to help conquer the fear that comes from making choices in life. Journey through life making choices and seeing the outcomes. At the end of your life, you will be judged, but you can play again and again to see a different outcome.

Click to make the choices that will make you happy, make the choices you want to make, be the best person you can be, or be a terrible person. Whatever you choose, know that you have control over your life.

Your life is in your hands.