There is but one truly serious philosophical problem and that is suicide.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that the fundamental question of human existence is whether life is worth living, as reflected in the contemplation of suicide.
Albert Camus presents a profound statement on the human experience, indicating that the gravest philosophical dilemma we face is the consideration of suicide. This notion underscores life's inherent struggles and the deep questioning of meaning and purpose, suggesting that understanding and confronting this existential crisis is essential to grasping the larger philosophical inquiries of our existence.
In practice
In a discussion about existentialism, one might reference Camus' quote to emphasize the weight of life's meaning.
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.
God doesn't dwell in the wooden, stony or earthen idols. His abode is in our feelings, our thoughts.
Truth is the cry of all, but the game of few.
Terrorists are not following Islam. Killing people and blowing up people and dropping bombs in places and all this is not the way to spread the word of Islam. So people realize now that all Muslims are not terrorists.
Who can tell truth from falsehood any more? I say it, and you feel it in your hearts: no man or woman on this big small earth. How should our sages miss the mark of life, and our most skillful players lose the game? your hearts will tell you, as my heart has told me: because all know, and no one understands.
The principle that the majority have a right to rule the minority, practically resolves all government into a mere contest between two bodies of men, as to which of them shall be masters, and which of them slaves; a contest, that-however bloody-can, in the nature of things, never be finally closed, so long as man refuses to be a slave.
Classifying thoughts, feelings and behaviors as diseases is a logical and semantic error, like classifying whale as fish.
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