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.
By calling attention to 'a well regulated militia,' 'the security of the nation,' and the right of each citizen 'to keep and bear arms,' our founding fathers recognized the essentially civilian nature of our economy... The Second Amendment still remains an important declaration of our basic civilian-military relationships in which every citizen must be ready to participate in the defense of his country. For that reason I believe the Second Amendment will always be important.
All true things must change and only that which changes remains true.
Miracles occur all around us, signs from God show us the way, angels plead to be heard, but we pay little attention to them.
We know that a man can read Goethe or Rilke in the evening, that he can play Bach and Schubert, and go to his day's work at Auschwitz in the morning.
We should also leave behind discrimination, because it is narrow-minded and ignorant, denies contact and warmth; and corrodes mankind's belief that we can better ourselves. The only way to avoid misunderstanding, war and bloodshed is to defend freedom of expression and to communicate with sincerity, concern and good intentions.
It is not that there are no certainties, it is that it is an absolute certainty that there are no certainties.
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