The Stranger

Meursault seems to represent the unique morality of existentialists. They believe that as we become more abstract, especially as it relates to nature, we lose something important to humanity. Meursault seems to be connected to nature. He loves walking outside during certain times of the day. He in a very sensory being, and reacts perhaps in an animalistic way to physical stimulus. Camus seems to believe that becoming more at one with nature is good. That the separation of humanity from nature is dangerous, that by separating the two, we lose our humanity. Camus would argue, that the individual is responsible for their own actions. This is how we treat animals with regards to morality, although humanity comprehends more fully the concept of a "greater good." So he would not argue for the survival of the fittest, just that having society standards is not how nature works. “I explained to him, however, that my nature was such that my physical needs often got in the way of my feelings.” Meursault is aware of the physical world more than social constructs and emotions. He is very natural if you will. I tend to agree to some extent with Camus. I feel it is the individuals responsibility to be moral, I just disagree with the idea that social norms and standards are bad. I feel some moral codes are better, and it is one's moral responsibility to chose the best moral code. And perhaps this is what separates humanity from nature, is our ability to see other's morality as better than ours and try to improve ourselves.