The Plague by Albert Camus Blog Post #2

Submission- the action or fact of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person.

Despite the fact that I came up with the topic, i ironically, cannot really see where I wish to begin with this blog post. So bear with me as we go on a trip down my stream of consciousness.

The original question in regards to the topic was "is submission a form of defeat?" And i, for some unknown reason... Immediately replied "no". Why I was so sure of myself with this answer, or why I even choose it- remains unknown to even myself.

I guess, it was just me getting caught up in all the alternative thinking with existentialism and camus and what not. But I feel as if it were something deeper than that. See, over the course of the year, my opinions on religion, self image, behaviors,... Pretty much all that encompasses life- has changed. Due to the various books and discussions in both my philosophy and psychology classes. (Shout out to McCarthy and reist-Jones) but I think that happens in life regardless... The whole seeing and understanding more as life goes on. These classes just worked as catalysts if you will. And for which, I'm forever grateful.

Now back to the point. It's hard to explain to someone with no knowledge of the myth of Sisyphus (the whole overcoming something by exuding a continual effort despite the inevitable downfall waiting in the end, the trying against the odds because it is what you believe is right)... Or to someone who hast read some a camus, or v frankl, but this whole concept- no, inevitability of life throwing you some curves no longer intimidates me like it probably should. I mean, this year alone I've experienced some things that would have shook the old me, but I've come to accept that whole vulnerability aspect of life. Knowing that there are things that you cannot control. But I've also learned that the one thing... The thing more important than the control itself... Is perception. Something that only you, the individual can master. And this perception either allows you to overcome or succumb, to the impossible.

So yea, to answer directly... The only true "defeat" of a man... Is perceptual submission- the only thing one is in complete control of.

The Plague by Albert Camus Blog Post #1

why is it that people tend to ignore situations / signs of a foreboding situation that are deemed as uncomfortable or ominous? in other words.. why do people resort to denial in the face of opposition?

as with anything involving the human element, the assessment of the psychological reasoning behind the use of denial as a means of self defense, there can be numerous reasons as to why a person chooses to embrace this method of coping. but the most obvious and common place reasoning behind these instances can be broken down into a simple blanket statement.

- it is easy (in comparison to any other viable approach) and convenient

it is always easier to avoid, than to confront. it takes a lot for an individual to accept some perceived dire situations. in many instances, it is far easier to deny something than to accept it. for this acceptance, to many people, not only is it scary, but  is often seen as defeat. a giving up of sorts. not to preach, but my father has always said "a real man takes his stripes, but always continues to walk" conveying that, it is sometimes better to chalk a situation up for what it really is (for a common after effect of denial is the progression of further damage. as denial can only temporarily put something out of consciousness. not actually remove or solve a problem), learn, and keep moving. granted, some situations call for a sense of temporary relieval, a temporary trip away from what is reality to maintain a stable mental state, (whether it be music, sports, drugs, arts, going to the movies.. whatever suits you and your individual path) - all of which show a significant rise in participation during trying times and situations such as economic downturn- but one must remember that these are only temporary "trips" away. not necessarily solutions.  there is nothing wrong with embracing adversity, because honestly. rather you want it to or not, (like when you were little, that one aunt that would come over on holidays... the one that would immediately come in asking "where is little ___" the one that would then squeeze the life out of you, then proceed to kiss all over your face... leaving red lip stick all over your face... and then proceed to pinch those very same already pre-reddened and now, sore cheeks after you thought you were safe because all of the hugging and kissing was over) it will find you. why run? why fear? everything is balanced. just be ready. nothing wrong with seeing something, accepting it for what it is. as long as you continue to walk... even if it is against the tide.