My chief occupation, despite appearances, has always been love.
Interpretation
The primary focus of my life has been love, even if it seems otherwise.
In this quote, Albert Camus emphasizes that love is the core purpose of his life, suggesting that despite any outward distractions or occupations, the essence of his being is centered around love. This reflects the importance of love as a driving force in life, highlighting how it shapes one's experiences and intentions, often beneath the surface of everyday actions and roles.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of relationships, one might use this quote to emphasize what truly matters.
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.
To love beauty is to see light.
He turned away; he threw himself on his face on the sofa. 'Oh, Jane! my hope - my love - my life!' broke in anguish from his lips.
Nothing prepared me for your smile
I would rather live and love where death is king than have eternal life where love is not.
It was, at last, real life, with my heart safe and condemned to die of happy love in the joyful agony of any day after my hundredth birthday.
I want to write a song for someone who has just fallen in love or someone single and living their live.
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