Stoicism and Nihilism

Gaius pedalled up the hill towards McCracken. He was two hours late. It was quite possible the others had already left for Granite Island.

At least he had acquitted himself well last night in the freezing cabin. Gritting his teeth like the military man he was and putting up with it. Letting Sweezus have the extra blanket. Not complaining to the manager about the broken heater in the morning. His list of virtues was impressive. He wondered if he would be too late for breakfast.

......

Sweezus was excited.

Nihilism! said Sweezus. I like the sound of that. What is nihilism exactly?

Do you mean existential nihilism? asked Camus. Or metaphysical nihilism?

I don't know, said Sweezus. Either one.

Existential nihilism tells us that life has no objective meaning, purpose or intrinsic value, said Camus.

Like absurdism, said Sweezus.

No! said Camus. It's completely different.

Oh, I get it! said Sweezus. You mean it isn't influenced by the weather.

I didn't mean that, said Camus. But you are quite right.

Brilliant! said Sweezus. You're giving me heaps of inspiration. I'm going to call my article The Nihilist Bicyclist.

That has a nice ring to it, said Francine.

Gaius knocked at the door.

Come in Gaius! said Francine. We were wondering where you were. We're nearly ready to go to Granite Island. I suppose you've already eaten back at the cabin?

Yes, yes I have, thank you, said Gaius, looking at the toast crumbs and the empty cups.

Wonderful

It was late when Gaius and Sweezus arrived at their cabin.

Brrr! It's cold, said Sweezus. Let's turn on the heating.

It's not that bad, said Gaius. Just put on more clothes.

I haven't brought any more clothes, said Sweezus. Look here, Gaius, we're paying for this cabin. We're entitled to some heat.

Alright, said Gaius, reaching up to turn the heating on.

A grinding noise came out of the heater, but no heat.

Damn! said Sweezus. It's broken. I wish we were still in the Camus's apartment. Pity they didn't ask us to sleep over.

They did, said Gaius, but I declined the offer while you were being a penguin.

You really don't like luxury, do you, Gaius? said Sweezus.

I don't, said Gaius. I'm a military man.

I'll have that extra blanket then, said Sweezus.

.......

At six o'clock next morning Sweezus's phone rang. It was Francine.

Come over here for breakfast, said Francine.

We'll be there in ten minutes, said Sweezus. Thanks Francine.

Wake up Gaius! Francine's invited us to breakfast!

Whaaat? said Gaius grumpily. But I've only had a couple of hours sleep! It's been so cold!

Well, I'm going, said Sweezus. See you later!

And Sweezus rode his bicycle back up the hill to McCracken.

.......

Gaius woke up two hours later wondering where he was. Then he remembered. He'd had a freezing cold night, barely slept, and missed a free breakfast. He got up, and went over to reception to hand in the cabin key.

Was everything okay? asked the park manager.

Wonderful, said Gaius.

Camus/Camoo

The following day, Gaius and Sweezus cycled down to Victor Harbor.

Tell me what you know about Camus, said Gaius. It may help us to find him.

Yeah, said Sweezus. It might. Umm, well, I only met him a couple of times, in the office with the girls. He seemed kind of.... you know....

No I don't know, said Gaius. That isn't very helpful. Would you say he was the sort of person who would stay in a cabin?

He came from a poor family in Algeria, said Sweezus. But rose to become an influential philosopher and intellectual giant.

Then obviously, said Gaius, he wouldn't choose to slum it in a cabin. I say we go and look for him at McCracken.

McCracken? said Sweezus. The resort? Oh okay, if you say so. I always wanted to see what it was like.

They arrived at McCracken late in the afternoon, and enquired at reception if Camus was staying there.

We don't give out that sort of information, said the receptionist.

Fortunately at that moment Camus walked by on his way to the swimming pool.

Camoo! shouted Sweezus. You're here!

That depends, said Camus, on what you mean by here.

See, said Sweezus, I told you he was smart.

Indeed, said Gaius. Hello Mr Camoo.

Please, said Camus. Call me Camus.

I thought I was, said Gaius. Does it not sound the same?

Not to me, said Camus, I am sensitive to such things. And who are you?

Gaius Plinius Secundus, said Gaius. Also known as Pliny the Elder, at your service. We have been sent to find you.

I am not missing, said Camus, but welcome, anyway.