It is not rebellion itself which is noble but the demands it makes upon us.
Interpretation
Rebellion can bring out the best in us by challenging our moral and ethical values.
This quote by Albert Camus emphasizes that the act of rebellion is not inherently noble; rather, it is the call for us to reflect on our beliefs and values that true nobility arises. The challenges and demands that come from rebellion push us to grow and evolve as individuals, prompting deeper introspection and a reevaluation of our principles.
In practice
In a speech about social justice, this quote can highlight the importance of standing up for one's beliefs.
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.
Throughout history, every mystery ever solved has turned out to be NOT magic.
I have a wish. It as a fear as well - that in my end will be my beginning.
Human affairs are so obscure and various that nothing can be clearly known.
You may have killed God beneath the weight of all that you have said; but don't imagine that, with all that you are saying, you will make a man that will live longer than he.
live in the space between chaos and shape. I walk the line that continually threatens to lose its tautness under me, dropping me into the dark pit where there is no meaning. At other times the line is so wired that it lights up the soles of my feet, gradually my whole body, until I am my own beacon, and I see then the beauty of newly created worlds, a form that is not random. A new beginning.
Why, I can't help wondering, is God thought to need such ferocious defence? One might have supposed him amply capable of looking after himself.
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