Seeing the World Through Rose-Colored Glasses: Exploring the Myth of Sisyphus and Romanticism

10th March 2023

Have you ever heard the phrase “seeing the world through rose-colored glasses”? It’s a common idiom used to describe someone who has an optimistic view of the world, even in the face of adversity. But where did this phrase come from, and what does it really mean? In this article, we’ll explore the origins of this phrase and its connections to the myth of Sisyphus and Romanticism.

The Myth of Sisyphus

The myth of Sisyphus is an ancient Greek myth that tells the story of a man who is punished by the gods for his deceitfulness. Sisyphus is condemned to roll a boulder up a hill, only to have it roll back down every time he reaches the top. This punishment is meant to be both eternal and futile, as Sisyphus is never able to complete his task.

But what does this myth have to do with rose-colored glasses? The answer lies in the idea of futility. Sisyphus’s punishment is futile, just as the act of trying to see the world through rose-colored glasses can sometimes feel futile. Despite this, both Sisyphus and those who wear rose-colored glasses continue to push forward, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Romanticism