In this quote, Robert Sheckley expresses his view on absurdism as a philosophical movement that originated from France. He humorously refers to it as something he would like to be part of but sees it more as an ephemeral trend than a lasting and profound ideology.
The deeper meaning behind the quote lies in Sheckley’s perception of absurdism as both intriguing and elusive. Absurdism posits that life lacks inherent meaning, which can make existence feel chaotic or pointless. By referring to it as a “fad,” Sheckley hints at the transient nature of philosophical trends and how they might capture popular imagination without necessarily being embraced deeply by everyone. This suggests an awareness of the complexities involved in fully engaging with such abstract ideas while still finding them fascinating.
Robert Sheckley is an American science fiction writer known for his satirical and humorous approach to speculative fiction. His work often explores themes related to human nature, societal norms, and existential dilemmas, making him well-suited to comment on philosophical movements like absurdism.