It takes time to live. Like any work of art, life needs to be thought about.
Interpretation
Life is a complex process that requires reflection and consideration, much like creating a work of art.
In this quote, Albert Camus emphasizes that life is not just about existing but requires careful thought and contemplation, similar to the creation of art. Just as a work of art takes time, creativity, and finesse, so too does living fully and meaningfully in the world around us. This perspective encourages individuals to invest time in reflecting on their experiences and choices, appreciating the nuances of life.
In practice
During a speech about mindfulness, one could use this quote to stress the importance of reflection.
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.
Now and again, it is necessary to seclude yourself among deep mountains and hidden valleys to restore your link to the source of life. Breathe in and let yourself soar to the ends of the universe; breathe out and bring the cosmos back inside. Next, breathe up all the fecundity and vibrancy of the earth. Finally, blend the breath of heaven and the breath of earth with your own, becoming the Breath of Life itself.
If only I had thought of a Kodak! I could have flashed that glimpse of the Under-world in a second, and examined it at leisure.
Emancipated' women found out that the honesty, generosity, and camaraderie of men was a lie.
The questions which one asks oneself begin, at least, to illuminate the world, and become one's key to the experience of others.
Find a printer paper and imagine a full-grown bird shaped something like a football with legs standing on it. Imagine 33,000 of these rectangles in a grid. (Broilers are never in cages, and never on multiple levels.) Now enclose the grid with windowless walls and put a ceiling on top. Run in automated (drug-laced) feed, water, heating, and ventilation systems. This is a farm.
The most distressing thing that can happen to a prophet is to be proved wrong. The next most distressing thing is to be proved right.
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