Men who have greatness within them don't go in for politics.
Interpretation
True greatness often lies beyond the realm of politics and power struggles.
In this quote, Albert Camus suggests that individuals who possess genuine greatness, such as visionary qualities, creativity, or moral integrity, are often not drawn to politics, which may distract from their true potential. Instead, greatness is more frequently found in those who seek to inspire and create change without engaging in the often-corrupt world of political maneuvering.
In practice
This quote could be used in a keynote speech about leadership and innovation.
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.
A gastronomer who is not an environmentalis t is just stupid. Whereas an environmentalis t who is not a gastronomer is sad. It's possible to change the world even while preserving the concept of the right of pleasure.
The rich are always advising the poor, but the poor seldom return the compliment.
Religion is meant to teach us true spiritual human character. It is meant for self-transformation. It is meant to transform anxiety into peace, arrogance into humility, envy into compassion, to awaken the pure soul in man and his love for the Source, which is God.
It is hardly plausible to view a whole succession of logics as an evolutionary and functional program of innate wiring, particularly in light of the fact that the most mature logical structures are reached only by some adults.
My religion teaches me that whenever there is distress which one cannot remove, one must fast and pray.
We should live totally in the face of the night and of the Evil.
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