An achievement is a bondage. It obliges one to a higher achievement.
Interpretation
Achievements can create pressure to achieve even more, leading to a cycle of striving.
In this quote, Albert Camus suggests that while achieving something significant is often celebrated, it can also impose new expectations and responsibilities on an individual. Once one achievement is reached, the individual may feel compelled to pursue even greater accomplishments, creating a sense of bondage to the pursuit of success.
In practice
This quote can be used in a motivational speech to address the challenges of pursuing success.
The Poor Man whom everyone speaks of, the Poor Man whom everyone pities, one of the repulsive Poor from whom charitable souls keep their distance, he has still said nothing. Or, rather, he has spoken through the voice of Victor Hugo, Zola, Richepin. At least, they said so. And these shameful impostures fed their authors. Cruel irony, the Poor Man tormented with hunger feeds those who plead his case.
The certainty of a God giving meaning to life far surpasses in attractiveness the ability to behave badly with impunity. The choice would not be hard to make. But there is no choice and that is where the bitterness comes in. The absurd does not liberate; it binds.
Between history and the eternal I have chosen history because I like certainties. Of it, at least, I am certain, and how can I deny this force crushing me.
Don't wait for the last judgment - it takes place every day.
A single sentence will suffice for modern man. He fornicated and read the papers. After that vigorous definition, the subject will be, if I may say so, exhausted.
At times I feel myself overtaken by an immense tenderness for these people around me who live in the same century.
Because you know, down deep in my heart, when all is said and done, I still live under the illusion that basically people think of me as an up-and-coming young actor.
There may be people who have more talent than you, but there's no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do - and I believe that.
That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well.
Hopefully, we can build a rivalry and we'll be able to do this a lot. Make a legacy, then retire champions.
Success each day should be judged by the seeds sown, not the harvest reaped.
To be successful, you can't just run on the fast track; run on your track.
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