Pushing a rock up a hill meaning. For instance, according to one account, Sisyphus ended up rolling that rock uphill because he snitched on Zeus during one of the god’s various acts of abduction involving young and beautiful women. In the famous legend, he is punished by Zeus for cheating death and condemned to endlessly push a boulder up a hill, only for it to inevitably roll back down. Mar 8, 2014 · In the Myth of Sisyphus, Sisyphus attempts to make man immortal by chaining up Death in defiance of the Gods. Sisyphus, a cunning king known for his trickery and defiance of the gods, was condemned by Zeus to an eternity of fruitless toil: endlessly pushing a massive boulder up a steep hill, only to have it roll back down each time he neared the summit The "push a rock up a hill" metaphor has served as a rich source of inspiration for artists and writers across various mediums. Sisyphus, in Greek mythology, the cunning king of Corinth who was punished in Hades by having to repeatedly roll a huge stone up a hill only to have it roll back down again as soon as he had brought it to the summit. The most important, pervasive and memorable imagery in this work is, by definition, the punishment of Sisyphus. The image of "push a rock up a hill" is inextricably bound to the myth of Sisyphus, as recounted by Greek writers such as Homer and later by Plutarch. Because he has a compulsion to push the rock up the hill. Each time, just as the boulder was to crest the top of the hill, ending his labor, it would slip from his grasp, crashing and rolling back to the bottom. The article delves into the psychological implications of this image, examining the concepts of perseverance The image of "man pushing rock uphill" is a powerful and enduring symbol. The story captures the ultimate in frustration and activities that take all of our energy but with no end in sight. This was an arduous task that required a lot of physical effort and time, making it nearly impossible for one person to do alone. The meaning of PUSHING is marked by ambition, energy, enterprise, and initiative. Eternal Punishment The Rolling Stones: Sisyphus' Incessant Struggle Zeus, fed up with Sisyphus' tricks and cunning as well as his hubris - believing he was more cunning than Zeus - punished him to eternally push a boulder uphill. Sisyphus was said to be the founder and first King of Corinth. It sounds hard. ɪŋ / us / ˈpʊʃ. almost or nearly (a. After returning to the bottom, Sisyphus would then have to push it back The image of pushing a rock up a hill, a relentless cycle of progress followed by inevitable regression, is deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness. [5] This was physically demanding and resulted in a great deal of suffering. years old: Jan 2, 2025 · pushing (comparative more pushing, superlative most pushing) That pushes forward; pressing, driving. Pushing definition: that pushes. Pushing a rope is an obviously futile activity; puching a rock uphill is a reference to the myth of Sisyphus, who was condemned by the gods to push a large boulder up a hill, which would then roll to the bottom, so he had to do it again. Mar 20, 2025 · Explore the classic Greek myth of Sisyphus, his cunning, his punishment, and the enduring philosophical interpretations of his endless task. This punishment, imposed by the gods, has become a metaphor for other such futile assignments and endless labor. According to the Greek myth, Sisyphus is condemned to roll a rock up to the top of a mountain, only to have the rock roll back down to the bottom every time he reaches the top. Summary Sisyphus is probably more famous for his punishment in the underworld than for what he did in his life. It was a never-ending, pointless task. Derived from the Greek myth of Sisyphus, condemned by the gods to eternally roll a boulder up a hill only to watch it tumble back down, this image has resonated across millennia Oct 12, 2023 · "Push That Rock Up the Hill" by Ghost Hounds appears to convey a sense of resilience and determination in the face of challenges and repeated setbacks. Over centuries, it has been adopted and reinterpreted by philosophers, writers, and artists, taking on new meanings and nuances. He even used trickery to avoid death. Every day, Sisyphus would wake and push this boulder and after a hard day’s work of pushing this boulder up the hill, invariably the boulder would roll back down the hill. The phrase “push water uphill” can be traced back to ancient times when people had to manually transport water from rivers or wells up steep hills for irrigation purposes. This entry was posted in church, Leadership by Bryan Davenport. The story of Sisyphus and his punishment of having to endlessly roll a boulder up a hill, only to have it roll Abstract: The phrase "push a rock up a hill," intrinsically linked to the myth of Sisyphus, transcends its origins as a classical tale of futile labor. But how did Sisyphus end up being condemned to roll a boulder up a hill, for all eternity? That, too, depends on which version of the myth you read. Derived from the Greek myth of Sisyphus, condemned by the gods to eternally roll a boulder up a The image of "push a rock up a hill" is inextricably bound to the myth of Sisyphus, as recounted by Greek writers such as Homer and later by Plutarch. What happens if he just stops? What if he just doesn’t push the Boulder back up the hill after it rolls down? The image of "man pushing rock uphill" is a powerful and enduring symbol. The whole exercise was rigged against 4. This meme shows Sisyphus helping others roll their rocks up the hill and starting a gym to the avail of the Gods, pushing others to become fit and to roll boulders up the hill. Camus sees Sisyphus as the absurd hero who lives life to the fullest, hates death, and is condemned to a meaningless task. Ever since, he has been known for pushing the rock tirelessly till eternity. This endless task Feb 9, 2023 · Sisyphus was sentenced to an eternity of pushing a boulder up a hill, only to watch it roll back down as soon as he reached the top. Nov 28, 2018 · Sisyphus (as in The Myth of Sisyphus) was condemned by the gods to push a huge rock uphill, but whenever he managed to reach the top of the mountain, the rock would roll back down and he would Mar 4, 2020 · What did Sisyphus dream of? In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was condemned by Zeus to endlessly try to push a large rock to the top of a hill, an activity Zeus had rigged so that as it neared the top, the rock would roll away from Sisyphus. The image of pushing a rock up a hill, a relentless cycle of progress followed by inevitable regression, is deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness. . This essay will explore its historical context, tracing its evolution from ancient Greek myth to its contemporary usage in philosophy, literature, psychology, and everyday language. The point is to embrace the struggle with it, and to live without falling prey to So, Sisyphus is stuck in Tartarus cursed to push a Boulder up a steep hill in the most useless task for all of eternity for cheating death and having the hubris to think he could outwit Zeus. Sisyphus, a cunning king known for his trickery and defiance of the gods, was condemned by Zeus to an eternity of fruitless toil: endlessly pushing a massive boulder up a steep hill, only to have it roll back down each time he neared the summit At its core, the story of Sisyphus is a reflection of the human struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that can often seem meaningless and chaotic. Learn more about Sisyphus in this article. The idiom has since evolved into a metaphorical expression that describes any situation The ancient gods punished him and forced him to push a huge boulder up a hill only to watch it roll back down the hill and to repeat this action forever. He then … Feb 21, 2025 · They therefore decided that Sisyphus would have to push a rock up a mountain and upon reaching the top, the rock would roll down again, leaving Sisyphus to start pushing the rock up the hill, one more time. He was a clever and deceitful king who Jan 23, 2021 · Instead of simply seeing the endless punishment of rolling the rock up the hill as proof that the vengeful Zeus triumphed over the cruel king, some people have interpreted this myth as a reminder for the need to persist when facing a valuable, but seemingly unsurmountable task. He was a cursed by Hades to roll a rock up a steep hill for all eternity. Oct 27, 2022 · The expression “pushing a rock up a hill” is used when handling a frustrating or pointless task. Death is eventually freed, and as a punishment, Sisyphus is condemned to push a giant rock up a mountain for eternity. Instantly recognizable, it evokes feelings of futility, endless toil, and the seemingly insurmountable nature of certain challenges. It evokes a sense of futility, the frustrating struggle against seemingly insurmountable odds. So this rock idiom means that you’re doing a task that’s almost impossible. Discover its relevance to modern life. Sisyphus, a cunning king, is condemned to an endless cycle of pushing a massive boulder up a hill, only to watch it roll back down each time he reaches the top. Introduction: The image of "man pushing rock uphill" is a powerful and enduring symbol. The deceitful ways of Sisyphus greatly angered Zeus, king of all Greek gods, who banished him to Tarturus, a place in the Underworld where all bad people end up. Sisyphus is a character in ancient Greek mythology who was punished by Hades to push a large boulder up a hill every day for eternity because it would roll down to the bottom every time he completed the task. But pushing it up a hill sounds almost impossible. Editor: Professor Alistair Finch, PhD, specializes in the intersection of classical literature and contemporary social commentary. The Unexpected Rewards: The rewards of "pushing a rock up a hill" extend beyond simply reaching the summit. But like. Sisyphus, a cunning and deceitful king, was condemned by the gods to roll a boulder up a hill, only to watch it roll back down each time he reached the top. Derived from the Greek myth of Sisyphus, condemned by the gods to eternally roll a boulder up a hill only to watch it tumble back down, this image has resonated across millennia Jun 27, 2023 · Sisyphus,the former ruler of Ephyra(what is presumably now known as Corinth)was punished by Hades because he cheated death twice,to which Hades responded by sentencing him to push a boulder up a hill for the rest of eternity in the underworld,every time Sisyphus reaches the top of the hill in question he is forced to watch the boulder roll all the way back down,however,Sisyphus never gives up The meaning of PUSHING is marked by ambition, energy, enterprise, and initiative. Sisyphus’s never-ending task of pushing the rock up the hill is the ultimate challenge of the human condition: to find a way to keep going and find meaning even when things don’t look good. uk / ˈpʊʃ. Camus draws every ounce of tension, importance and meaning out the simple repetitive act of pushing a rock up a hill only to watch it inevitably and inexorably roll right back down to its starting place that is humanly possible. Apr 21, 2022 · According to Greek legend, Sisyphus so angered the gods that they sentenced him to the worst torture they could imagine. The Greek myth that is associated with the punishment of rolling a stone uphill is the myth of Sisyphus, originally told by the Greek poet Homer. Sisyphus Key Facts Dec 15, 2022 · We can accept our fate and push the boulder up the hill, suffering all the way but showing resilience and determination and ultimately finding meaning in the struggle. Not so for those who try to push rope! The image of "push a rock up a hill" is inextricably bound to the myth of Sisyphus, as recounted by Greek writers such as Homer and later by Plutarch. Discover the symbolic significance of the fate of Sisyphus and his plight in Jun 8, 2017 · Sisyphus was a cruel Greek king who was punished to push a large rock up on a steep hill, only to find it rolling back on nearing the top. Introduction The myth of Sisyphus is one of the most poignant tales from Greek mythology, illustrating the eternal struggle against the absurdity of life. He would have to push a rock up a mountain; upon reaching the top, the rock would roll down again, leaving Sisyphus to start over. impertinently self-assertive If you say that someone is pushing a particular age, you mean that they are nearly that age. Published in the same year as Camus’s similar novel L’Etranger (The Stranger), The Myth of Sisyphus contains a sympathetic analysis of contemporary nihilism and touches on the nature of the absurd. He literally can't let himself stop. The gods were wise, Camus suggests, in perceiving that an eternity of futile labor is a hideous punishment Sisyphus, a fascinating character in Greek mythology, is known for his intricate legend and profound symbolism. See examples of PUSHING used in a sentence. The repetitive inhalation–exhalation cycle is described esoterically in the myth as an up–down motion of Sisyphus and his boulder on a hill. Jul 5, 2016 · Rock-pushing can be dangerous. The gods condemned Sisyphus to roll a boulder up a hill for all eternity. The opening lines, "Down goes the moon, Up comes the light, Gotta put out that fire, That started last night," introduce the idea of a new day beginning and the need to address the problems that Dec 10, 2024 · According to Greek legend dating back several millennia, Sisyphus was punished by the Gods after his death for holding too high an opinion of himself. to make one's way with effort or persistence, as against difficulty or opposition. From paintings depicting the tormented figure of Sisyphus to contemporary novels exploring themes of perseverance and futility, the image consistently appears as a powerful visual and literary device. The Legend of Sisyphus The legend of Sisyphus revolves around his cunning nature and his defiance of the gods. Ever feel like your life is just like pushing a big boulder uphill? Turns out it is quite a common experience. May 17, 2011 · The gods made him do it for eternity. Boulders and meaning Do you ever find yourself pushing a boulder up a hill, only for it to roll down before you reach the top? Do you perhaps wonder why you should put up with having a spinach smoothie rather than cereal every day when eventually you’ll wind up dead underground anyway? Or why you should bother hopping on one leg in a straight line just because a clairvoyant promised to give Dec 3, 2023 · The rock is a symbol of meaningless in Sisyphus' life, and instead of the rock causing him to despair, Sisyphus learns to accept the rock's meaninglessness as part of the absurd universe. Aug 2, 2024 · Sisyphus was punished by the gods to push a heavy rock up a hill forever, showing the empty struggle of his deceitful life and reflecting the endless, often pointless efforts people face in search of meaning. 2 peer-review process and commitment to scholarly excellence. Feb 26, 2025 · The Punishment: An Endless Cycle of Futility Sisyphus’s punishment is one of the most famous and enduring images in Greek mythology. Discover facts of his punishment, and test your knowledge with a quiz. Camus argued that this symbolises the human condition, true for all of us: the world is without meaning, and our lives are inescapably absurd. Once there, Hades forced him to roll a huge boulder up a hill only for it to roll down every time it neared the top, condemning Sisyphus to a life of eternal useless efforts and frustration. Pushing a Boulder up a Hill Imagine pushing a boulder up a hill. His punishment is never-ending. Because at the end of the day, and at the beginning of the day, and in fact all day long every day, I am pushing a rock up a hill. Nov 21, 2023 · Learn about Sisyphus in Greek mythology with facts and his punishment. The Myth of Sisyphus reveals some profound truth about life, including new revelations on how to live a beautiful life. It could be used to represent endlessly struggling over and over again. Sisyphus, a cunning king known for his trickery and defiance of the gods, was condemned by Zeus to an eternity of fruitless toil: endlessly pushing a massive boulder up a steep hill, only to have it roll back down each time he neared the summit 4 The "push a rock up a hill" metaphor, initially rooted in the punishment of Sisyphus, has transcended its mythological origins. The origin behind the phrase comes from the story of Sisyphus. Sisyphus has been pushing the boulder for eternity. This pause is significant because it Mar 25, 2025 · Sisyphus appears in several Greek myths, though today he is often associated with just one. In experiments that test how workers respond when the meaning of their task is diminished, the test condition is referred to as the Sisyphusian condition. This section delves into the various aspects of Sisyphus, exploring his legend, meaning, symbolism, and the punishment he endured. The act of "pushing a rock up a hill" is often less about individual strength and more about the collective effort, the support network that helps one continue even when the path is steep and challenging. there is an old greek story of sysiphus. Sisyphus, a cunning king known for his trickery and defiance of the gods, was condemned by Zeus to an eternity of fruitless toil: endlessly pushing a massive boulder up a steep hill, only to have it roll back down each time he neared the summit Oct 17, 2023 · Quick answer: Sisyphus's "hour of consciousness" refers to the moment he descends the hill after the rock rolls back, before he resumes his eternal task. Pushing refers to the action or process of applying force to an object or person in order to move them away from oneself or from the source of the force, usually in a forward or outward direction. Find out more with the myth of Sisyphus. The myth was given new life in 1942 by the Jun 30, 2016 · If you feel as though you’re pushing a 2,000 pound boulder up a hill by yourself, where is God in that picture? The answer may surprise you. Every time he almost reached the top of the hill, the rock would roll back down, and he would have to start all over again. At the top of the mountain, the rock will roll down hill and he will have to repeat the process…. enterprising, resourceful, or aggressively ambitious 2. However, even though pushing a boulder up a hill forever is an extremely pointless endeavor, Sisyphus could actually push the boulder up to the top. Sep 18, 2022 · Zeus condemned him to push a boulder up a hill, then watch it roll back down, and then push it up the hill all over again, for eternity. From this comes the modern term The Value of Labor and the Myth of Sisyphus Rick Garlikov In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was a brilliant rascal who sometimes played tricks on the gods to get what he wanted. Just as he reached the summit, the rock would roll back down, forcing him to start anew. Once he would get near the top of the hill, his strength would fail and the rock would roll down. Each time, just as he reached the top, the boulder would roll away from him and back down the hill. forever. Aug 22, 2023 · The mere mention of Sisyphus’ name conjures images of a man endlessly pushing a boulder up a hill, only to watch it roll back down, time and time again. Art, literature, and film frequently utilize the "guy pushing rock uphill" motif to explore themes of perseverance, hope, and the human condition. Keywords: pushing boulder up a hill, Sisyphean task, futility, perseverance, uphill battle, struggle, overcoming obstacles, metaphorical meaning, literal interpretation, physical exertion, mental Aug 27, 2024 · The Game of Sisyphus is about moving a boulder up a hill, but for its developers—and by extension, its players—it's about so much more. The image of "man pushing rock uphill" is a powerful and enduring symbol. The gods sentenced him to an eternity of hard labor in the depths of Tartarus, rolling an enormous boulder up a steep hill. Find 315 different ways to say PUSHING, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus. The meaning of SISYPHUS is a legendary king of Corinth condemned eternally to repeatedly roll a heavy rock up a hill in Hades only to have it roll down again as it nears the top. Dec 7, 2024 · The Myth of Sisyphus: Finding Meaning in Endless Struggle I. The act of pushing the rock, regardless of the outcome, becomes a statement of defiance against the meaningless, a declaration of human agency in a seemingly deterministic universe. Sep 6, 2020 · That while Sisyphus was condemned to push the boulder up the hill only to have it roll back down the hill for eternity, they realize that their life is in their hands in the choices and decisions they make to achieve their life’s purpose and meaning and taking the boulders over the hill. com. The idea of pushing it anywhere sounds tough. This serves as a poignant reminder that finding fulfilment and contentment in life often lies in the journey itself, rather than the final destination. It’s a big, big rock – perhaps bigger than you are. OED's earliest evidence for pushing is from 1608, in the writing of Andrew Willet, Church of England clergyman and religious controversialist. Aug 6, 2025 · The Myth of Sisyphus, philosophical essay by Albert Camus, published in French in 1942 as Le Mythe de Sisyphe. impertinently self-assertive 3. The rock represents the impossible task of Sisyphus’ labor and the futility of his efforts. He was forced to push a boulder uphill. Mar 31, 2025 · Discover the Greek myth of Sisyphus, the cunning king condemned to roll a boulder uphill for eternity. Click for more definitions Summary: This article explores the multifaceted meaning and significance of "pushing a boulder up a hill," analyzing its literal physicality, its prominent role in mythology (specifically the myth of Sisyphus), and its pervasive use as a metaphor in literature, art, and everyday life. This involved Sisyphus pushing the rock uphill, and it was excruciating. Dec 23, 2024 · I. The expression “pushing a rock up a hill” is used when handling a frustrating or pointless task. Metaphorically, the myth of Sisyphus represents everyday struggle akin to route and laborious tasks, sometimes referred to as Sisyphean Pushing A Rock Up A Hill PUSHING definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary - 3 meanings: 1. Jun 25, 2021 · In Greek mythology, a guy named Sisyphus was cursed to push a huge boulder up a hill; only for it to roll back down once he neared the top. Bookmark the permalink. He will spend eternity pushing a rock up a hill — as it reaches the pinnacle, it will roll back down again. Maybe even the very first moment of slapstick comedy. quotations The earliest known use of the adjective pushing is in the early 1600s. thrust: The point of land pushed far out into the sea. How long has Sisyphus been pushing the boulder? A. However, the former king was also intended to suffer spiritually and psychologically. Explore its meaning, symbolism, and impact today. However, as soon as he would reach the top of the hill, the boulder, like a rolling stone, would roll off and Sisyphus had to push it back again. Jun 2, 2021 · Where did the image of a man eternally and vainly rolling a rock up a hill come from? Considering that the punishment appears in the earliest mentions of Sisyphus (the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey") and the stories of how he got there only show up later, it stands to reason that the image of a man pushing a rock came first and the justification was Zeus ordered that Sisyphus spend all of the eternity pushing a huge boulder, many times his size, up a steep hill. But I just keep pushing the rock. Sisyphus, or Sisyphos, is a character in ancient Greek mythology who was punished by Hades to push a large boulder up a hill every day for eternity because May 14, 2019 · Sisyphus was sentenced to spend eternity wrestling a giant boulder up a steep hill. ɪŋ / be pushing 50, 60, etc. Introduction The myth of Sisyphus is one of the most enduring tales from Greek mythology, representing the eternal struggle of humanity against the absurd. But what if we could find meaning and perhaps joy in such a task? Dive into the story of Sisyphus in Greek mythology with our bite-sized video lesson. But who was this figure, and why was he condemned to such a fate? Let’s embark on a journey through the annals of Greek mythology and uncover the story of this enigmatic king. Finally the gods had enough and condemned Sisyphus to eternal hard labor -- his punishment: rolling a boulder up a hill, only to have it roll back down to the bottom each time he May 29, 2022 · Pushing a giant rock up a hill and then watching it roll down the other side must be one of the earliest Greek jokes told at the Lyceum. May 7, 2025 · Sisyphus' legendary task, a guy pushing rock up hill, symbolizes perseverance and determination, exemplifying futility and labor, illustrating existential themes of struggle and repetition. Nov 21, 2023 · In the myth, Sisyphus is condemned to forever push a rock up a hill only for it to always fall back to the bottom of the hill; this is an endless cycle of repetition which he can never escape. So he has to start the task over again. pushing (ˈpʊʃɪŋ) adj 1. He would need to climb back down, get behind the boulder, and repeat the struggle of pointless, eternal labor. Sisyphus, a cunning king known for his trickery and defiance of the gods, was condemned by Zeus to an eternity of fruitless toil: endlessly pushing a massive boulder up a steep hill, only to have it roll back down each time he neared the summit Sep 26, 2024 · In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was condemned to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity, only to watch it roll back down each time he reached the top. Add to word list to be almost 50, 60, etc. Sisyphus, a cunning king known for his trickery and defiance of the gods, was condemned by Zeus to an eternity of fruitless toil: endlessly pushing a massive boulder up a steep hill, only to have it roll back down each time he neared the summit The image of "push a rock up a hill" is inextricably bound to the myth of Sisyphus, as recounted by Greek writers such as Homer and later by Plutarch. This daunting task Despite the repetitive and seemingly futile nature of his task, Sisyphus persisted in his efforts, finding purpose and meaning in the act of pushing the boulder up the hill. May 4, 2022 · The struggle, the push of the rock is what we have in common with each other, and I believe we can find solace knowing that no matter who you meet or where you go, others have a burden of pushing their rock up a hill, too. Derived from the Greek myth of Sisyphus, condemned by the gods to eternally roll a boulder up a hill only to watch it tumble back down, this image has resonated across millennia 2 opportunity, growth, meaning-making, self-discovery, symbolic interpretation. wbppjci pkhne owtl jfng sjofof gnlhry ltbedfi zzjzbkv ukcqcz dol