"Soy consciente de que la vida es absurda. Es solo una competencia entre personas que disfrutan de sus diversos síntomas."

Life can sometimes feel like a never-ending series of bizarre events, right? Well, that’s kind of what this quote is getting at. It’s saying that life, in its essence, is pretty absurd. We’re all just people trying to make sense of our quirks, preferences, and sometimes, downright weird habits. Everyone's got their own "symptoms"—those little things that make us who we are—and we’re kind of in this unspoken competition to see who can enjoy them the most.

Historically speaking, the idea that life is absurd has been a big topic in philosophy, especially existentialism. Think about the 20th century, post-World War II era. People were grappling with the chaos and meaninglessness of life. Philosophers like Albert Camus talked about the absurdity of life a lot. Camus, for instance, said we need to confront the absurd and embrace it, rather than trying to find elusive meaning. This quote echoes that sentiment but adds a twist: it's not just about accepting life's absurdity but also about reveling in our unique "symptoms."

Let’s bring this idea down to Earth with a real-life example. Imagine two friends, Lisa and Tom. Lisa loves collecting vintage stamps—she’s got binders full of them. Tom, on the other hand, is obsessed with marathon running. They meet up every weekend to talk about their week. Lisa shows Tom her latest stamp acquisitions while Tom goes on and on about his new running shoes and latest marathon training tips. From an outsider’s perspective, their passions might seem odd or even absurd. But to Lisa and Tom, these are their symptoms—the things that bring them joy and make their lives interesting. They’re not competing in the traditional sense, but there’s a playful element of who can be more passionate about their quirky interests.

So, how do we apply this wisdom to our own lives? First off, embrace your quirks. Maybe you’re into something unusual like bird watching or knitting elaborate sweaters for dogs. Own it. The key is not just to accept your unique interests but to enjoy them fully. Share your passions with others, and don’t be afraid to dive deep into them, even if they seem strange to others.

Think of a scenario close to home: You're at a family gathering, and everyone’s talking about their jobs, kids, and latest Netflix binge. You, however, have spent the last six months perfecting your homemade hot sauce recipe collection. At first, you might feel out of place. But then you start sharing your latest creation—how you sourced the peppers, the trial and error, the perfect blend of heat and flavor. Suddenly, everyone’s intrigued, asking for a taste, a recipe. What started as a quirky hobby turns into the highlight of the evening. Your “symptom” not only brings you joy but also sparks interest and connection.

So next time you find yourself wondering if your interests are too weird or offbeat, remember this quote. Life’s absurdity is what makes it rich and colorful. It’s a contest where the prize is the joy you find in your unique symptoms. Embrace them, enjoy them, and share them. After all, it’s what makes you, you.