You have so much inside you, and the noblest happiness of all. Don’t just wait for a man to come along. That’s the mistake so many women make. Find your happiness in yourself.
Interpretation
True happiness comes from within and shouldn't depend on others.
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and internal fulfillment over relying on external relationships for happiness. Albert Camus encourages individuals, particularly women, to seek their own joy and worth, highlighting that dependence on someone else for happiness can lead to disappointment.
In practice
During a women's empowerment seminar, this quote can inspire participants to value their self-worth.
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.
I think it's so foolish for people to want to be happy. Happy is so momentary--you're happy for an instant and then you start thinking again. Interest is the most important thing in life; happiness is temporary, but interest is continuous.
A cup of tea would restore my normality.
Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.
There is only one way to achieve happiness on this terrestrial ball, and that is to have either a clear conscience or none at all.
The more we allow ourselves to enjoy, the more reasons we find to be joyful.
Were it not for imagination a man would be as happy in the arms of a chambermaid as of a duchess.
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