In a world of division and discord I will find ways to make connections with a variety of places and people, cultures and climates, and interesting ideas.

“You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.”

– Albert Camus

Steve Dingledine, Tipasa, Algeria. August 8, 2025

Camus strides between the world of his mother, Algeria, and the world of his father, France. Relations between these two Mediterranean-linked countries were fraught then and now.

Camus made enemies in both places while attempting to reconcile the divisive issues brought about by colonization and domination.

Camus profoundly grasped the “absurdity” of many situations people are forced into due to politics and events way beyond their control.
His antidote was daily protests, or revolts.

AI Prompt – “Add a few sentences with key French words.”

Between l’absurde and la revolts, Camus locates something quieter but more enduring: la solidarite. In the streets of Tipasa, under the
Mediterranean sun, one feels l’appartenance, a belonging not claimed by nation, but by shared human experience.

He understood that true connection is not found in ideology, but in la presence — standing with others , even when history divides. In this way, each small act of decency becomes an act of fraternity, a refusal to surrender to indifference.

To live, then, is to choose lucidity — to see the world clearly –and still to say yes to others.

Mehdi and me at Tipasa. We met a man who seemed to be struggling but who kindly offered to take us around the site. He turned out to me an excellent guide. Towards the end of our visit he mentioned that his belt was worn and Mehdi, without a thought, gave him his belt. He said “yes” to the old man in need.