How did Albert Camus’s ideas differ from existentialism?

Although Albert Camus is often associated with existentialism and is remembered alongside Jean-Paul Sartre as a leading practitioner of the existential novel, he did not identify himself as an existentialist.12

While Camus agreed with existentialists that life lacks inherent meaning, his philosophy diverged from theirs in several key ways:

• Rejection of Labels: Camus abjured "armchair" philosophy, arguing that intellectualizing was insufficient and that one must actively live life.2
• The Absurd vs. Personal Meaning: Camus criticized other existentialists for their pursuit of personal meaning. Instead, his concept of the absurd implored individuals to accept the lack of meaning and to rebel by rejoicing in the struggle of existence, rather than attempting to create or find subjective meaning.32
• Focus on Rebellion: Camus moved from his initial concept of the absurd to the idea of moral and metaphysical rebellion, which he contrasted with the politico-historical revolutions often supported by his contemporaries.1

Ultimately, Camus sought a liberal humanism that rejected the dogmatic aspects of both Christianity and Marxism, focusing instead on defending values such as truth, moderation, and justice.1