Albert Camus

Born in French Algeria on November 7th, surrounded by a poor but loving family, including his deaf and illiterate mother Catherine Hélène Camus (née Sintès) and father Lucien Camus, a French agricultural worker who died in action during World War I in October 1914. His paternal grandfather had moved to Algeria in the early 19th century and the family lived without basic material possessions during his childhood.

Born in Algiers, Algeria (exact date not specified), marking the beginning of Albert Camus' life,

Received a prestigious lyceum scholarship from Louis Germain, which enabled him to attend a secondary school near Algiers and receive free lessons to prepare for the 1924 scholarship competition. This marked an important turning point in his educational journey and set him on a path towards intellectual pursuits.

Joined the Racing Universitaire d'Alger junior football team, where he developed a strong sense of teamwork and fraternity,

Diagnosed with tuberculosis at age 17, forcing Camus to move out of his home and live with his uncle Gustave Acault,

Enrolled at the University of Algiers to study philosophy, meeting Simone Hié who would later become his first wife,

Met Jean Grenier, a philosophy teacher who introduced him to ancient Greek philosophers and Friedrich Nietzsche's ideas,

Completed his licence de philosophie (BA) degree by presenting a thesis on Plotinus, solidifying his academic foundation,

Camus conceived of the cycle of the absurd, marking the beginning of his literary and philosophical exploration of this concept.

Camus published his first collection of essays, Betwixt and Between, marking a significant milestone in his literary career and philosophical development.

Camus began working for Alger républicain, a leftist newspaper he founded by Pascal Pia.

Camus wrote the novel "La mort heureuse" (A Happy Death), a work that showcased his early fascination with the human condition.

Delivered an address titled 'The New Mediterranean Culture', highlighting his thoughts on European unity and cooperation in the aftermath of World War II.

Camus released his second collection of essays, Noces (Nuptials), which further showcased his writing skills and intellectual curiosity.

Wrote a series of articles on the living conditions in the Kabylie highlands, shedding light on the struggles faced by Algerian communities under French rule.

As World War II raged across Europe, Albert Camus moved to Paris, where he became involved with the French Resistance and began to develop his philosophical ideas about absurdism, existentialism, and the human condition. He was deeply affected by the war and its impact on individuals and society.

Camus married pianist and mathematician Francine Faure in Lyon on December 3.

The Germans marched towards Paris, prompting Camus to flee the city.

Camus moved to Algeria (Oran) after Lyon and began teaching primary schools.

Camus developed his philosophical ideas on morality and politics, laying the groundwork for his future critiques of Marxism-Leninism and totalitarianism.

Camus discovered theatre and began working on the third cycle about love and Nemesis, exploring themes that would become central to his later work.

Camus worked on the second cycle, Les Justes (The Just Assassins), in Algeria during the last months of the year, as he grappled with the complexities of politics and morality.

Camus published The Stranger, a novel that tells the story of a man living an absurd life, cementing his reputation as a leading existentialist writer.

Camus wrote four letters to an anonymous German friend during a period of intense reflection on the human condition and the nature of absurdity. These letters would later be published as Lettres à un ami allemand in 1945, providing insight into his philosophical thoughts and struggles with the concept of rebellion. The purpose of these letters was unclear at first, but they were intended to spark a dialogue about morality, ethics, and the human condition. Camus's writing during this period showcased his unique perspective on the world, which would become a hallmark of his philosophy.

Founded the Comité français pour la féderation européenne ('French Committee for the European Federation'), a group aimed at promoting European unity and cooperation during the post-World War II era. The committee's establishment reflected Camus' interest in international relations and his desire to contribute to the rebuilding of Europe after the devastation of World War II. This initiative showcased Camus' commitment to European integration and his vision for a more harmonious continent. The Comité français pour la féderation européenne played a significant role in shaping Camus' views on global politics and international cooperation, which would later influence his literary works and philosophical ideas.

Camus welcomed the birth of his twins, Catherine and Jean.

Visited the colony after the Sétif and Guelma massacre, writing a series of articles on conditions and advocating for reforms to address the mistreatment of Algerians.

A play about Caligula was written by Camus, but it was not performed until that year, highlighting his interest in exploring historical and philosophical themes through the arts.

Camus published Lettres à un ami allemand in 1945, followed by The Rebel, a work that further explored his ideas on morality, ethics, and rebellion. These publications marked a significant turning point in Camus's life and career, as they solidified his reputation as a prominent philosopher and writer.

Founded the Groupes de Liaison Internationale (GLI), a trade union movement that aimed to promote workers' rights and social justice. The GLI was part of the revolutionary syndicalism movement, which sought to challenge traditional labor unions and create new forms of collective action. As the founder of GLI, Camus demonstrated his commitment to social justice and his willingness to engage with radical ideologies. This endeavor highlighted Camus' involvement in left-wing politics and his efforts to address issues of inequality and exploitation.

Camus attends a meeting of the Cercle des Étudiants Anarchistes (Anarchist Student Circle) in France, where André Prudhommeaux introduces him as a sympathiser familiar with anarchist thought.

Camus made two separate trips to the United States and Latin America, solidifying his connections with intellectuals worldwide.

Resigned from his work for UNESCO due to its admission of Spain as a member, which was seen as a shift towards authoritarianism under Franco's regime.

Camus published The Myth of Sisyphus, which presented his concept of the Paradox of the Absurd. In this work, he explored the human condition in a silent universe, highlighting the tension between individual existence and the apparent meaninglessness of life. The book became a classic of existentialist philosophy and remains widely read today.

During the Algerian War, Camus advocated for a multicultural and pluralistic Algeria, opposing the French colonial regime's efforts to suppress Algerian culture and identity. He also spoke out against Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union due to their totalitarianism and human rights abuses.

The Algerian Revolution takes place, during which Camus keeps a neutral stance but acknowledges the injustice and brutalities imposed by colonialist France.

Received the Nobel Prize in Literature at the age of 44, recognizing his contributions to the rise of absurdism as a philosophical movement and his powerful writings on the human condition. This prestigious award solidified his reputation as one of the most important writers of the 20th century.

Received the news that he was to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature at the age of 44, a recognition of his literary contributions and philosophical ideas. The announcement marked a significant milestone in Camus' career, solidifying his reputation as one of the most important writers of the mid-20th century. This honor not only acknowledged Camus' work but also underscored the relevance of his ideas to a broader audience.

Published an essay titled 'Réflexions sur la peine capitale' (Reflections on Capital Punishment), further solidifying his stance against capital punishment worldwide.

Camus published Actuelles III: Chronique algérienne, a collection of his pacifist views that captured his concerns about colonialism and its impact on human lives.

Adapted and directed Dostoyevsky's novel Demons for the stage at the Antoine Theatre in Paris, showcasing his artistic versatility and literary expertise. This theatrical adaptation demonstrated Camus' ability to reinterpret classic works through innovative storytelling and direction. By bringing Dostoyevsky's masterpiece to the stage, Camus highlighted his connection to classical literature and his capacity to reinvigorate timeless themes for modern audiences.

Camus visited Algeria again, reflecting on the country's tumultuous history and its impact on his own life.