Those who weep for the happy periods which they encounter in history acknowledge what they want; not the alleviation but the silencing of misery.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the desire for an escape from suffering rather than a mere wish for happiness.
Albert Camus reflects on how people often mourn the past joyful moments in history, expressing longing not just for happiness itself, but for an end to suffering and misery. This suggests a deep understanding of human nature, where the weight of sorrow amplifies the appreciation of joy, prompting individuals to seek more than ephemeral blissβthey yearn for a profound resolution to their struggles.
In practice
In a discussion about the cycles of joy and suffering in history.
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.
Through Hinduism, I feel a better person. I just get happier and happier. I now feel that I am unlimited, and I am more in control of my own physical body. The thing is, you go to an ordinary church and it's a nice feeling. They tell you all about God, but they don't show you how the way. They don't show you how to become Christ-concious yourself. Hinduism, however, is different.
For outward show is a wonderful perverter of the reason.
We do not live in several different, or even two different, worlds, a mental world and a physical world, a scientific world and a world of common sense. Rather, there is just one world; it is the world we all live in, and we need to account for how we exist as part of it.
You had that action and counteraction which, in the natural and in the political world, from the reciprocal struggle of discordant powers draws out the harmony of the universe.
When we reach the outer limit of what Scripture says, it is time to stop arguing and start worshipping.
Liberalism is a religion. Its tenets cannot be proved, its capacity for waste and destruction demonstrated. But it affords a feeling of spiritual rectitude at little or no cost.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.