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.
Again and again, I learn how much friendship enriches my life, bringing warmth, assurance, humour, inspiration, a sense of security. It depends on honesty, trust, loyalty. It's about giving. It's for sharing the good times, but also the tough times, hurt, grief, sadness.
The best time to make friends is before you need them.
My friendship with Mitzi was like the friendship that many children have with their pets. My mother and father thought it was "good for me" to have a dog for a companion. Well it was good for me, but it was only many years after she died that I began to understand how good it was, and why.
True friendship ought never to conceal what it thinks.
Friendship is a serious affection; the most sublime of all affections, because it is founded on principle, and cemented by time.
It takes two flints to make a fire.
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