When I was young, I expected from people more than they could give: neverending friendship and constant excitement. Now I expect less than they can actually can give: to stay close silently. And their feelings, friendship, noble deeds always seem like a miracle to me: a true grace.
Interpretation
As we grow older, our expectations of friendship shift from demanding excitement to appreciating quiet companionship.
In this quote, Albert Camus reflects on the evolution of his expectations regarding friendship. He suggests that in youth, he sought out intense connections filled with excitement and constant engagement, while in later years, he finds value in a quieter, more stable form of companionship. The feelings and kindnesses of friends, which may seem small, become precious and miraculous as he learns to appreciate what they offer without the need for extravagance.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of long-lasting friendships, this quote emphasizes mature expectations.
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.
If thy friends be of better quality than thyself, thou mayest be sure of two things; first, they will be more careful to keep thy counsel, because they have more to lose than thou hast; the second, they will esteem thee for thyself, and not for that which thou dost possess.
I've lost many of my best friends... I'm going to satisfy myself now, not the critics, not even my friends.
He liked the works of his friends, which is beautiful as loyalty but can be disastrous as judgement.
it is the ordinary lot of people to have no friends if they themselves care for nobody
Labor and trouble one can always get through alone, but it takes two to be glad.
You don't appreciate things until they're gone. For me, I miss my friends; I don't miss boxing, I miss the camaraderie.
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