Happiness implied a choice, and within that choice a concerted will, a lucid desire.
Interpretation
Happiness is a conscious decision that requires intention and clarity of desire.
In this quote, Albert Camus emphasizes that happiness is not merely a fleeting emotion or random occurrence, but rather a deliberate choice that individuals make. It involves having a clear understanding of what you desire and a purposeful commitment to achieving that happiness, suggesting that it is within our control to choose happiness through our actions and mindset.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a motivational speech about personal happiness and mental health.
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.
Power, after love, is the first source of happiness.
What is without us has no connection with happiness, only so far as the preservation of our lives and health depends upon it. . . . Happiness springs immediately from the mind.
In order to be truly happy, you must live along with, and you must stand for something larger than yourself.
Happiness is the ability to move forward, knowing the future will be better than the past.
Each of us has much for which to be grateful if we will but pause and contemplate our blessings.
Happiness is a hard master, particularly other people's happiness.
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