An Exception

Usually I would argue that no matter what, people are affected by what others think of them. Monsieur Mersault from The Stranger however seems to transcend the typical on this level. While the average person constantly plans for the future and moves through life adapting to others, Mersault holds on to the moment, regardless of who has touched him. This attitude does not make him apathetic though, he is more than capable of very strong passions and emotions; the difference is he chooses to react on these momentary emotions and beliefs alone. If something makes sense to him, regardless of what he has been told, he acts upon it. Because of this, he holds a set of standards and values apart from the norm. This also allows him to forget preconceived opinions and attitudes and understand the truth on a basic and unbiased level. Monsieur Mersault's atypical outlook on life is something that others should strive to achieve.