39 pages • 1 hour read
The Rebel: An Essay on Man in Revolt
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Book Brief
320
Book • Nonfiction
1951
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
First published in 1951, Albert Camus's The Rebel explores the role of rebellion and revolution in shaping modern human society, especially since the French Revolution. Camus examines themes such as the nature of true rebellion, metaphysical rebellion, historical development of revolutions, and the relationship between art and rebellion. He critiques nihilism and totalitarianism, emphasizing the importance of moderation and communal liberty in the face of oppressive ideologies. This philosophical examination delves into the complexities of justice, freedom, and the pursuit of a better society. Readers may encounter discussions of historical violence and atrocities.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Challenging
Dark
Reviews & Readership
17,480 ratings
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Review Roundup
Albert Camus' The Rebel divides readers, with acclaim for its profound philosophical insights on rebellion and critique of totalitarianism, while others find it dense and challenging. Its exploration of human nature and morality remains impactful, yet the prose can feel inaccessible and overly complex to some. A thought-provoking but demanding read.
Who Should Read The Rebel?
A reader who would enjoy The Rebel by Albert Camus is likely interested in existentialist and philosophical literature, grappling with themes of rebellion, freedom, and justice. They might also appreciate works like Jean-Paul Sartre's Being and Nothingness and Fyodor Dostoevsky's Notes from Underground for their similar exploration of human existence and moral ambiguity.
17,480 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich Nietzsche
A 19th-century German philosopher known for works like Thus Spoke Zarathustra and Beyond Good and Evil, whose ideas on morality and the "superman" are critiqued by Camus for inadvertently inspiring totalitarian ideologies.
Karl Marx
Karl Marx
A Prussian philosopher and economist, co-author of The Communist Manifesto, whose theories on proletarian revolution and critiques of capitalism are discussed by Camus in the context of 20th-century political upheaval.
Marquis de Sade
Marquis de Sade
A French aristocrat and writer notorious for his sexual criminality and explicit literature, whose ideas of liberty and rebellion are critiqued by Camus for promoting nihilistic and amoral consequences.
320
Book • Nonfiction
1951
Adult
18+ years
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