But above all, in order to be, never try to seem.
Interpretation
Authenticity is more important than appearance; focus on being true to yourself rather than trying to impress others.
This quote by Albert Camus emphasizes the significance of authenticity in one's life. It suggests that one should prioritize being genuine over trying to project a certain image to others. In a society that often values appearances, Camus advocates for the importance of true self-expression and integrity, warning that attempts to merely seem a certain way can lead to a loss of self-identity and purpose.
In practice
In a speech about personal development, one might say, 'As Albert Camus wisely noted, But above all, in order to be, never try to seem.'
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.
People who get nostalgic about childhood were obviously never children.
Does Big Brother exist?" "Of course he exists. The Party exists. Big Brother is the embodiment of the Party." "Does he exist in the same way as I exist?" "You do not exist.
God tries his votaries through and through but never beyond endurance. He gives them strength enough to go through the ordeal he prescribes for them.
All things are God's already; we can give him no right, by consecrating any, that he had not before, only we set it apart to his service - just as a gardener brings his master a basket of apricots, and presents them; his lord thanks him, and perhaps gives him something for his pains, and yet the apricots were as much his lord's before as now.
Capital as such is not evil; it is its wrong use that is evil. Capital in some form or other will always be needed.
Jealousy is the greatest of all evils, and the one that arouses the least pity in the person who causes it.
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