Have you ever felt that way about your life or job?
2006-06-11 19:06:16 · 8 answers · asked by twysty 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
Ah, Sisyphus - the original rock'n'roller.
Then consider Tantallus, who (though dying of thirst) stood in a lake that drained away whenever he bent to drink.
Them old Greeks knew how to design a punishment. Midas the miser with the golden touch. Icharys the bird boy punished for having too much fun. And the list goes on.
Pillars of salt seem pretty mild, by comparison.
2006-06-12 05:14:12 · answer #1 · answered by Grendle 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
His name was Sisyphus.
As a punishment from the gods for his trickery, Sisyphus was compelled to roll a huge rock up a steep hill, but before he reached the top of the hill the rock always escaped him and he had to begin again.
I certainly have felt this way. And I covered my name plate in work with the name Sisyphus.
2006-06-12 02:18:43 · answer #2 · answered by KarenMarie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
one of the most important works in twentieth century french philosophy is alber camus' 'the story of sisyphus'.
camus had been a major force in the french resistance during wwii, and had become interested in how the maquis knew that what they were doing was almost irrelevant - but were still able to find fulfilment through their sense of patriotism.
camus decided that sisyphus was probably content with his punishment - since his sense of self-worth would have enabled him to be proud of his senseless labour.
the idea that if you're in the right you can overcome almost any adversity is examined further in louis malle's film 'lacombe lucien' (about a boy who is rejected by the french resistance but becomes a gestapo hero in france during wwii).
it is also the kind of thinking that probably keeps the freedom fighters in baghdad motivated.
2006-06-12 03:46:48 · answer #3 · answered by synopsis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sisyphus
2006-06-12 08:12:42 · answer #4 · answered by sooziebeaker 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Another point about the Greeks is that the punishment, their version of hell, were all sort of like this. Unending mind draining boring repetitive jobs instead of the concept of out and out physical torture with fire and pitchforks.
2006-06-12 05:54:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Was that in Greek Mythology?
Yes, gotta love the "Every day is exactly the same" monotony of work. Yay for weekends .
2006-06-12 02:11:58 · answer #6 · answered by chia_vampire 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is what i love about Greek mythology, they are so articulate, they take something that everyone has felt and understands and they embody it in a story that validates the feelings we can't really talk about.
2006-06-12 02:24:44 · answer #7 · answered by Ganesa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sisyphus (sounds like sis-a-fis). and Yeah...I feel like I am this guy all the freaking time
2006-06-12 02:11:19 · answer #8 · answered by rnkwissie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋