Albert Camus, a prominent philosopher, novelist, and essayist, was born on November 7, 1913, in Mondovi, French Algeria. He made indelible contributions to the world of literature and existentialist philosophy. Tragically, his life was cut short on January 4, 1960, in a car accident in Villeblevin, France, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to influence generations of thinkers.

Camus' early years were marked by financial hardship and the stark realities of living in colonial Algeria. Despite these challenges, he displayed remarkable academic talent and earned a scholarship to the University of Algiers. There, he studied philosophy, laying the intellectual foundation for his later work.

One of Camus' most renowned works is "The Stranger" ("L'Étranger"), published in 1942. This novel tells the story of Meursault, an emotionally detached French Algerian who commits a senseless murder. The novel is celebrated for its exploration of existentialist themes, including the absurdity of life, the detachment of the individual from society, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.

In addition to his fiction, Camus was a prolific essayist. His philosophical essay, "The Myth of Sisyphus," published in 1942, delved into the central question of human existence: in a world devoid of inherent meaning, how can individuals find purpose and happiness? Camus famously argued that the struggle to find meaning in the face of life's absurdity is the essence of the human condition.

Camus' works often touched upon themes of rebellion, freedom, and the human response to injustice. His essays on these topics, along with his plays and novels, earned him international recognition as a profound thinker and writer.

In 1957, Camus received the Nobel Prize in Literature for his contributions to literature and philosophy. The Nobel committee acknowledged his ability to address the complexities of human existence and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in an indifferent world.

Camus' untimely death at the age of 46 stunned the literary and philosophical communities. His passing was the result of a car accident in Villeblevin, France. It marked the premature end of a promising career, leaving a void in the world of literature and existentialist philosophy.

Albert Camus' enduring legacy lies in his ability to challenge readers to confront life's absurdity and to find meaning and purpose in the face of existential uncertainty. His work continues to inspire and provoke thought, making him a figure of lasting importance in the world of literature and philosophy.