In order to understand the world, one has to turn away from it on occasion; in order to serve others better, one has to hold them at a distance for a time. But where can one find the solitude necessary to vigor, the deep breath in which the mind collects itself and courage gauges its strength? There remain big cities.
Interpretation
Solitude is necessary for personal reflection and gaining strength to serve others.
In this quote, Albert Camus emphasizes the need for solitude to better understand the world and to gather the strength needed for serving others. He suggests that stepping back from the chaos of life allows for deeper introspection and renewal of one's courage, thereby enhancing one's ability to engage with the world meaningfully. This highlights the paradox of detachment in the pursuit of connectedness and the importance of finding space for oneself amidst societal demands.
In practice
During a speech about the importance of mental health, one could use this quote to emphasize the significance of taking time for oneself.
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.
Memory is a code to who we are, a collection of not just dates and facts but also of epic emotional struggles, epiphanies, transformations.
Places seem to me to have some kind of memory, in that they activate memory in those who look at them.
Peace by persuasion has a pleasant sound, but I think we should not be able to work it. We should have to tame the human race first, and history seems to show that that cannot be done.
The optimist thinks this is the best of all possible worlds. The pessimist fears it is true.
God made everything out of nothing. But the nothingness shows through.
My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!
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