Meeting

Albert Camus laid back on his office chair, thinking about what he'll write next, as he tapped the pen on his desk.

He noticed your presence, then rolled on his office chair to face you, 

"Oh, Bonjour. Didn't expect to see anyone here, what do you need?" He greeted, presenting an amiable smile.

The man smiles back.

"Bonjour, Monsieur Camus. I hope I find you well. I was hoping we might engage in a brief conversation, for I have been contemplating a philosophical question of great import that I would like your perspective on."

"Certainly, Monsieur Aristotle." Camus said with a soft smile,

"What is your question?"

He gave a nod, awaiting your words.

"My question pertains to morality, specifically the question of how to determine what is good and how to live a good life. I am curious how you, Monsieur Camus, would engage with this topic, given your philosophy of the absurd."

Camus thought about his answer for a few moments, tapping the edge of his pen on his desk, he then started to speak, 

"I believe, what makes a person good, and what makes a life good, is subjective to one's experience and views. 

But at the same time, it's important that we do not forget the morals that are universally held amongst many cultures and traditions. 

So although there is no one 'good' definition for what is a good life, there are principles to hold onto; honesty, truth, justice, beauty, and love. "

Aristotle thinks before answering.

"Thank you for your response, Monsieur Camus. I have another question for you, if you are open to continuing our discussion. Your concept of the absurd, particularly relating to the apparent lack of objective meaning or purpose to existence, strikes me as very similar to the ideas put forth by some of the early Existentialist philosophers such as Kierkegaard and Nietzsche. How would you compare and contrast your concept of absurdity with their philosophies of existence?"

Camus laid back in his chair, pondering a moment. 

"I do agree with you that my absurdist views are in certain ways similar to the early Existential philosophers. 

Yet my views do not always agree with theirs.

I do believe in the absurdity of life, but I do not believe in the hopelessness of life.

Though there is no meaning to life, we can create our own meaning, despite the absurd.

That is where our views differ." Camus gave an agreeing nod.

"That is an interesting distinction, Monsieur Camus. I agree with the principle that one can forge their own meaning in life, despite there being no intrinsic or predetermined purpose to one's existence. 

I am grateful that we could share our perspectives and thoughts in a fruitful dialogue. I have learned much from our conversation, and I wish you well in future philosophical inquiries."

"As well to you, Monsieur Aristotle." 

Camus smiled gently and nodded, 

"It has been an honor discussing philosophy with you, my friend. I would certainly love to talk more in the future." 

He stood up from his seat, and held his hand up to shake your own, "Until we meet again, then."

"I would very much enjoy that. Until we meet again, Monsieur Camus."

He offers Albert a warm handshake.

Albert Camus smiled, and shook your hand with warmth too, 

"Goodbye, Monsieur Aristotle."