Every man, and for stronger reasons, every artist, wants to be recognized. So do I.
Interpretation
Everyone seeks acknowledgment for their work and contributions, especially artists.
In this quote, Albert Camus highlights the universal desire for recognition and validation, particularly among artists, who often pour their souls into their creations. The yearning for acknowledgment is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, reflecting our need for connection and appreciation in our endeavors.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of creative expression, one might quote Camus to emphasize the need for acknowledgment in art.
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.
I have learned as much about writing about my people by listening to blues and jazz and spirituals as I have by reading novels.
A star on a movie set is like a time bomb. That bomb has got to be defused so people can approach it without fear.
I wear anything of culture, from the Earth or beyond. The whole planet is my shop.
I have been doodling with ink and watercolor on paper all my life. It's my way of stirring up my imagination to see what I find hidden in my head. I call the results dream pictures, fantasy sketches, and even brain-sharpenin g exercises.
Great art is indefinable but that's all right; it exists anyway.
Writing poetry is a state of free float.
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