The most loathsome materialism is not the kind people usually think of, but the sort that attempts to let dead ideas pass for living realities, diverting into sterile myths the stubborn and lucid attention we give to what we have within us that must forever die.
Interpretation
This quote critiques the acceptance of outdated ideas as truths, warning against neglecting the essential aspects of life that must evolve.
Albert Camus emphasizes the danger of adhering to stagnant, dead ideas that masquerade as truths or realities. He suggests that such materialism diverts our focus from the vital, dynamic elements of our inner selves that require continual growth and transformation. By clinging to outdated myths, we risk becoming disconnected from the authentic experiences that shape our existence.
In practice
In a discussion about embracing new ideas in a philosophy class, this quote can serve to challenge students to question outdated beliefs.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.
Justice is the insurance which we have on our lives and property. Obedience is the premium which we pay for it.
The Resurrection was the greatest ‘eucatastrophe’ possible in the greatest Fairy Story — and produces that essential emotion: Christian joy which produces tears because it is qualitatively so like sorrow, because it comes from those places where Joy and Sorrow are at one, reconciled, as selfishness and altruism are lost in Love.
For a long time the human instinct to understand was thwarted by facile religious explanations.
Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will.
Most of the great books on prayer are written by 'experts' - monks, missionaries, mystics, saints. I've read scores of them, and mainly they make me feel guilty.
A hundred suspicions don't make a proof.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.