Seeking what is true is not seeking what is desirable.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the distinction between truth and desire, suggesting that the pursuit of truth may not align with what we wish to believe or attain.
In this quote, Albert Camus highlights the philosophical struggle between the pursuit of truth and the naturally human inclination towards seeking out what we find desirable or comforting. He suggests that understanding and accepting reality often requires confronting uncomfortable truths, rather than allowing our desires to dictate our perceptions of what is true. This notion challenges people to prioritize authenticity and honesty over the allure of convenience or pleasure.
In practice
In a debate on ethics, one might quote Camus to stress the importance of facing uncomfortable truths over pandering to popular 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.
Everyone - pantheist, atheist, skeptic, polytheist - has to answer these questions: 'Where did I come from? What is life's meaning? How do I define right from wrong and what happens to me when I die?' Those are the fulcrum points of our existence.
The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.
In one word, this ideal is that you are divine.
My language is the sum total of myself.
If you believe in God, work with Him. If you do not, become one.
Contraceptive protection is something every woman must have access to, to control her own destiny.
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