You have so much inside you, and the noblest happiness of all. Don’t just wait for a man to come along. That’s the mistake so many women make. Find your happiness in yourself.
Interpretation
True happiness comes from within and shouldn't depend on others.
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and internal fulfillment over relying on external relationships for happiness. Albert Camus encourages individuals, particularly women, to seek their own joy and worth, highlighting that dependence on someone else for happiness can lead to disappointment.
In practice
During a women's empowerment seminar, this quote can inspire participants to value their self-worth.
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.
There is a difference between standard of living and quality of life. Quality of life is more important.
All I ever wanted since I arrived here on Earth were the things that turned out to be within reach. The same things I needed as a baby - to go from cold to warm, lonely to held, the vessel to the giver, empty to full. You can change the world with a hot bath, if you sink into it from a place of knowing that you are worth profound care, even when you're dirty and rattled. Who knew?
Let a joy keep you. Reach out your hands and take it when it runs by.
Among the most joyful people I have known have been some who seem to have had no human reason for joy. The sweet fragrance of Christ has shown through their lives.
It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving, but like morning light it scattered the night and made the day worth living.
Things that really matter are the things that gold can't buy, so let's have another cup o' coffee and let's have another piece o' pie.
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