A craving for freedom and independence is generated only in a man still living on hope.
Interpretation
True freedom is often born from a desire for change fueled by hope.
This quote by Albert Camus suggests that the yearning for freedom and independence arises from an inherent hope within individuals. It implies that those who still cling to hope are often in search of liberation from their circumstances, indicating that a desire for freedom is tied closely to a hopeful outlook on life and what it could be.
In practice
In a motivational speech about pursuing dreams, this quote can be used to inspire those who feel trapped by their circumstances.
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.
He had the air of a spy in a melodrama, missing nothing, liking nothing, looking forward to the great day when everything would be turned upside down.
That there are men in all countries who get their living by war, and by keeping up the quarrels of Nations is as shocking as it is true.
Freedom is the alone unoriginated birthright of man, and belongs to him by force of his humanity.
Where self-interest is violently suppressed, it is replaced by a burdensome system of bureaucratic control which dries up the wellsprings of initiative and creativity.
Every society rests in the last resort on the recognition of common principles and common ideals, and if it makes no moral or spiritual appeal to the loyalty of its members, it must inevitably fall to pieces.
Smack in the centre of contradiction is the place to be.
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