Cognitive Scaffold

Preparing your thinking workspace

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MENTAL MODEL · M1890

Absurdism

Absurdism
CultureHigh supportExistentialism
Included
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Humans are born seeking meaning, but the universe is cold and meaningless. This conflict is the 'absurd'. The solution is not suicide, nor blind faith in religion, but rebellion—like Sisyphus, pushing the boulder up the mountain, and in this process affirming one's own existence.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

- Sisyphus-style happiness: When work seems meaningless (pushing a rock), realize that 'meaninglessness' itself is the truth of the world. Your dignity comes from the moment you 'know it is meaningless but still push it up'.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Camus-style: In a world where humans seek meaning, there is no inherent meaning; this 'seeking—no response' tension is the absurd; advocates clearly acknowledging that one can push the boulder up the mountain without resorting to false hope.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

  • link
    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AbsurdismZH · Explicit
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