There is but one truly serious philosophical problem and that is suicide.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that the fundamental question of human existence is whether life is worth living, as reflected in the contemplation of suicide.
Albert Camus presents a profound statement on the human experience, indicating that the gravest philosophical dilemma we face is the consideration of suicide. This notion underscores life's inherent struggles and the deep questioning of meaning and purpose, suggesting that understanding and confronting this existential crisis is essential to grasping the larger philosophical inquiries of our existence.
In practice
In a discussion about existentialism, one might reference Camus' quote to emphasize the weight of life's meaning.
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.
Cynics are - beneath it all - only idealists with awkwardly high standards.
The world outside existed in a kind of darkness; and we inquired about nothing.
We want to go forward, but which way are we facing?
Those in power have made it so we have to pay simply to exist on the planet. We have to pay for a place to sleep, and we have to pay for food. If we don't, people with guns come and force us to pay. That's violent.
The simplest and most satisfactory view is that thought is simply behavior - verbal or nonverbal, covert or overt. It is not some mysterious process responsible for behavior but the very behavior itself in all the complexity of its controlling relations.
Let your enemies be disarmed by the gentleness of your manner, but let them feel at the same time the steadiness of your just resentment for there is a great difference between bearing malice, which is always ungenerous, and a resolute self-defense which is ever prudent and justifiable.
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