My favorite book our class read this year was The Stranger. I found Meursault to be a very enticing character and also mysterious. The philosophy that I perceived Meursault followed was one of animalistic tendencies and looking at life through a very existential view. Meursault seems to have an inability to recognize the consequences of his actions and the impact of his decision. When observing Meursault actions and thoughts, it seems as if he never grew up and his mind never fully developed. When I was younger I made irrational decisions that often had dire consequences on my health and well-being. For example, I would fight with my brother or other classmates if something made me angry or put me in a bad mood. Meursault seems to act similarly, especially when he kills the Arab. My childish brain was still developing into an adult brain while Meursault’s brain never seemed to get past the childish stage.

According to the National Institute of Health, Meursault shows signs of Asperger’s which is a subgroup of the autism spectrum disorder. Camus based Meursault on his good friend Galindo. Camus understood that his friend had a disorder before Asperger’s was ever “defined” and used it in the “creation” of Meursault. It was the first published record or “account of a man with this disorder”. Although this disorder is displayed as Meursault’s ultimate downfall and cause of murder I could still learn a lot from Meursault’s disorder or perspective on the world.

Today, I am afraid of taking action or conquering my fears and stresses. I often look at the negatives and the consequences that could entail from taking action instead of being impulsive, irrational, stepping out of my comfort zone, and making decisions that would benefit my well-being. I think if I looked at life through a more existential view I would put less weight on my failures and find happiness regardless. Also, putting less weight or reliance on relationships like Meursault did with Marie could strengthen them as I could appreciate them, live freer and not take them for granted. Meursault lives life without empathy, love, and morality but he also lacks any regrets. As a reader, it is easy to look at Meursault and judge him without learning from him. However, living a life without regrets could help us feel more fulfilled. Meursault’s lack of reflection on his actions is not good to the extent that he does it but learning to get past your mistakes and move on is something that we could all work on and something Meursault does with ease. 

Shuster S. Camus’s L’étranger and the first description of a man with Asperger’s syndrome. Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2018 Apr 10;11:117-121. doi: 10.2147/PRBM.S157669. PMID: 29695940; PMCID: PMC5903843.