Sisyphus Crew Tee

Description

Quite possibly the most challenging and significant design in our collection, the Sisyphus Happy shirt confronts our unreasonable demands and unreachable goals; but it does not leave us empty handed—what we gain through the trade is the opportunity for life in the now.

Traditionally, the Greek myth of Sisyphus is listed as a tragedy; and we, today, typically respond the same. History has labeled Sisyphus a trickster continually challenging the inevitability of life; the tale even includes him cheating Death resulting in the temporary suspension of everyone’s mortality (a problem quickly resolved by the god of war). The punishment, then, for his avoidance of the inevitable, his avoidance of responsibility, is to spend eternity pushing a boulder up a steep hill; before he can reach the top, however, the boulder magically rolls to the bottom again. He is never allowed to arrive at his destination and appreciate the fruit of his labors. Sisyphus is eternally condemned to the absurd.

Instead of viewing this tale as a mythological tragedy, Camus argues that it is an analogy for our daily lives. This isn’t an unusual tale – it’s a description of normal life. So many of us feel the inadequacy of not arriving: “When will I finally…have enough, do enough, be enough?” Struggle after struggle, the boulder is thrown back to where we started, all progress lost, only for us to discover there is more work to be done. We enslave ourselves with the idea of daily burdens holding to a false gospel that we will be happy once we have achieved. What if we starting seeing the myth of Sisyphus from an entirely different light? What if we start viewing our own lives and struggles differently? Sisyphus was never happy, until he struggled in his daily work, until he found a job and responsibility. Camus writes, “in the struggle to the heights, we must consider Sisyphus happy.”

In Peter Pan, the Lost Boys never find happiness until they leave the everlasting playtime that is Neverland and instead grow up to become bankers in London; Pan is the tragic character. And we all know what happens in Pinocchio to little boys who avoid doing what is right, avoid responsibility, and move to the land of pleasure.

Consider for a minute that life is not about arriving and that that very concept is frivolous. While we first react with grief and disappointment at the idea of never “arriving,” there should be a reaction of freedom and relief in the truth that our struggling and striving offers immense purpose: “what counts is not the best living but the most living.” Responsibility is the meaning of life. Work is good. Life is found in the struggle.

50% polyester, 25% combed ringspun cotton, 25% rayon
Light Fabric
Regular fit

Exist Branding: Apparel with Meaning