But above all, in order to be, never try to seem.
Interpretation
Authenticity is more important than appearance; focus on being true to yourself rather than trying to impress others.
This quote by Albert Camus emphasizes the significance of authenticity in one's life. It suggests that one should prioritize being genuine over trying to project a certain image to others. In a society that often values appearances, Camus advocates for the importance of true self-expression and integrity, warning that attempts to merely seem a certain way can lead to a loss of self-identity and purpose.
In practice
In a speech about personal development, one might say, 'As Albert Camus wisely noted, But above all, in order to be, never try to seem.'
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.
Let us praise the noble turkey vulture: No one envies him; he harms nobody; and he contemplates our little world from a most serene and noble height.
What am I now, Alai?" "Still good." "At what?" "At--anything. There's a million soldiers who'd follow you to the end of the universe." "I don't want to go to the end of the universe." "So where do you want to go? They'll follow you." I want to go home, thought Ender, but I don't know where it is.
Devotion to the truth is the hallmark of morality; there is no greater, nobler, more heroic form of devotion than the act of a man who assumes the responsibility of thinking.
I prayed for the city to be cleared of people, for the gift of being aloneβa-l-o-n-e: which is the one New York prayer that rarely gets lost or delayed in channels, and in no time at all everything I touched turned to solid loneliness.
Though we take from a covetous man all his treasure, he has yet one jewel left; you cannot bereave him of his covetousness.
All societies wrestle with the scourge of prejudice, but validating that prejudice in statute makes a virtue of oppression.
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