I Like Solidarity
Hello, friends!
This week’s edition of Things I Like is about an idea from Albert Camus that I keep coming back to: solidarity. Camus, the existentialist philosopher and writer, believed that in a world often marked by absurdity and suffering, solidarity is what binds us together and gives life meaning. It’s a notion that feels as relevant today as it did when he wrote about it during times of political upheaval and war.
What Is Solidarity?
For Camus, solidarity isn’t just about agreement or shared beliefs. It’s about recognizing our common humanity and standing together, even in the face of life’s challenges and absurdities. He famously wrote, “I rebel—therefore we exist,” suggesting that our acts of defiance against suffering and injustice are not isolated but deeply interconnected. When we acknowledge our shared struggles, we find purpose—not in fixing the world, but in standing side by side with others.
Solidarity as a Response to Absurdity
Camus’s philosophy is rooted in the idea of the absurd—the tension between our desire for meaning and the universe’s apparent indifference to it. Instead of despairing, Camus suggests that we can embrace this tension through rebellion, not as individuals, but as a collective. Solidarity, for him, is the ultimate rebellion against meaninglessness. By choosing to care for others, even when the world doesn’t seem to care for us, we create a kind of shared purpose.
This resonates deeply with me as a therapist. So much of the work I do revolves around helping people feel less isolated in their struggles. Solidarity is a reminder that we are never truly alone. Even when life feels absurd, there’s power in acknowledging our shared experiences and choosing to move forward together.
What Solidarity Looks Like
Solidarity can take many forms, big and small. It’s as simple as listening to someone without judgment or as profound as standing up against injustice. It’s the quiet, everyday acts of kindness that remind us of our shared humanity—helping a neighbor, donating to a cause, or even just sitting with someone in their pain.
Camus didn’t believe that solidarity requires grand gestures. Instead, it’s about persistence and presence. He wrote, “Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.” Solidarity asks us to show up, even when it’s hard, because in those moments, we affirm the value of connection and the dignity of others.
Solidarity in Today’s World
In a time when division and polarization seem so pervasive, Camus’s idea of solidarity feels like a call to action. It’s not about agreeing with everyone or solving every problem—it’s about choosing to see the humanity in others and acting with compassion. Whether it’s building bridges in our personal relationships or supporting broader social movements, solidarity reminds us that we’re all in this together.
Conclusion
Camus’s notion of solidarity is a powerful antidote to the isolation and absurdity that life can sometimes bring. It challenges us to step outside ourselves, to connect, and to care. In doing so, we find meaning—not in the universe, but in each other. Thanks for joining me this week in Things I Like. Until next time, remember: know yourself, love yourself, and don’t be afraid to stand in solidarity with those around you. -j
