What on earth prompted you to take a hand in this?" "I don't know. My… my code of morals, perhaps." "Your code of morals. What code, if I may ask?" "Comprehension.
Interpretation
The quote speaks to the motivations behind our actions and moral choices.
In this exchange from Albert Camus, the dialogue explores the concept of morality and the underlying reasons for one's actions. The character suggests that their moral compass, or 'code of morals,' is guided by comprehension—implying that understanding and awareness of the world are critical in directing one's behavior, highlighting the importance of existential thought in ethics.
In practice
During a philosophy class discussion on ethical decision-making.
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.
If there is hope, it lies in the proles.
The unvarnished truth is that we have spent the last decade funding the machinery of war, and our children have been sacrificed.
I'm not sure what we're running from. Nobody. Or the future. Fate. Growing up. Getting old. Picking up the pieces. As if running we won't have to get on with our lives.
I tell you the past is a bucket of ashes, so live not in your yesterdays, no just for tomorrow, but in the here and now. Keep moving and forget the post mortems; and remember, no one can get the jump on the future.
Let our lives be in accordance with our convictions of right, each striving to carry out our principles.
It is in life as it is in ways, the shortest way is commonly the foulest, and surely the fairer way is not much about.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.