Perhaps we cannot prevent this world from being a world in which children are tortured. But we can reduce the number of tortured children.
Interpretation
We may not be able to eliminate suffering in the world, but we can take actions to alleviate it.
In this quote, Albert Camus reflects on the harsh realities of childhood suffering and the limitations of our power to change the world. While acknowledging the existence of torturous conditions for children, he emphasizes our moral obligation to take action, however small, to reduce that suffering and improve the lives of those who are affected.
In practice
In a speech advocating for children's rights, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of humanitarian efforts.
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.
Purity of morals [is] the only sure foundation of public happiness in any country.
We cut nature up, organize it into concepts, and ascribe significances as we do, largely because we are parties to an agreement to organize it in this way - an agreement that holds through our speech community and is codified in the patterns of our language.
I hope that when I'm 90 years old, I've accomplished a legacy that isn't all about me. I hope it's a legacy about the people who our foundation helps.
Both Alton Sterling and Philando Castile had guns on them, which is part of their Second Amendment right. It is a part of a culture that is largely protected by special-interest groups like the N.R.A., but the right to bear arms, it seems, only exists for white people.
There is nothing to take a manβs freedom away from him, save other men.
The peril of this Nation is not in any foreign foe! We, the people, are its power, its peril, and its hope.
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