Rebellion cannot exist without the feeling that somewhere, in some way, you are justified.
Interpretation
Rebellion arises from a sense of justification or belief that one's actions are right.
Albert Camus suggests that rebellion is inherently linked to a feeling of justification. When individuals rebel, it is often because they believe that their cause or perspective is valid in the face of oppression or injustice, indicating a deep sense of moral or ethical conviction driving their actions.
In practice
In a speech about social justice, one might quote Camus to emphasize the importance of feeling justified in fighting for rights.
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.
An animal that embarks on forming states without greatly restricting egoism will perish.
Non-Christians seem to think that the Incarnation implies some particular merit or excellence in humanity. But of course it implies just the reverse: a particular demerit and depravity. No creature that deserved Redemption would need to be redeemed. They that are whole need not the physician. Christ died for men precisely because men are not worth dying for; to make them worth it.
Space ails us moderns: we are sick with space.
How could I bear a crown of gold when the Lord bears a crown of thorns? And bears it for me!
Disobedience, in the eyes of any one who has read history, is man's original virtue. It is through disobedience that progress has been made, through disobedience and through rebellion.
The concept of conservation is a far truer sign of civilization than that spoilation of a continent which we once confused with progress.
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