I don’t know whether this world has a meaning that transcends it. But I know that I cannot know that meaning and that it is impossible for me just now to know it.
Interpretation
The quote expresses uncertainty about the inherent meaning of life and acknowledges the limits of human understanding.
In this quote, Albert Camus reflects on the nature of existence and the perplexing question of whether life has a deeper meaning. He admits to his inability to grasp such a meaning at this moment, highlighting the limitations of human knowledge and the philosophical struggle with existential queries about purpose and understanding.
In practice
In a discussion about the nature of existence during a philosophy class.
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.
Is man one of God's blunders? Or is God one of man's blunders?
The spirit of democracy... requires change of the heart... requires the inculcation of the spirit of brotherhood.
He that is of the opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money.
He will kill mice and he will be kind to babies...but when the moon gets up and the night comes, he is the Cat that Walks by Himself.
A man may be theologically knowing and spiritually ignorant.
To be spiritually dead is to be diabolically alive
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.