We always deceive ourselves twice about the people we love - first to their advantage, then to their disadvantage.
Interpretation
We often misinterpret our feelings for loved ones, initially seeing them positively and later negatively.
This quote by Albert Camus highlights the complexities of love and self-deception in relationships. It suggests that when we love someone, we tend to overlook their flaws and idealize them, but over time, our perceptions can shift, leading us to see those same traits as disadvantages. This duality reflects the often tumultuous nature of love, where our perceptions are influenced by our emotions and expectations.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about the illusions of love during a relationship counseling session.
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.
In reality, childhood is deep and rich. It's vital, mysterious, and profound. I remember my OWN childhood vividly; I knew terrible things, but I knew I mustn't let the adults *know* I knew... it would scare them.
Being known as a writer did change the relationships I had with directors. The rap on actors is that they always want to inflate their parts. But when directors know you write screenplays and have a different view of things, you really get invited into the huddle in a much fuller way. And those collaborations end in friendships.
For millions of Americans who happen to be black or brown, that core bond of trust with the government that governs closest to you, is too often broken.
Fathers never have exactly the daughters they want because they invent a notion a them that the daughters have to conform to.
I still think it's important for people to have a sharp, ongoing critique of marriage in patriarchal society β because once you marry within a society that remains patriarchal, no matter how alternative you want to be within your unit, there is still a culture outside you that will impose many, many values on you whether you want them to or not.
Forgiveness is the grace by which you enable the other person to get up and get up with dignity, to begin anew.
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