The principle can be established that for a man who does not cheat what he believes to be true must determine his actions.
Interpretation
A person's beliefs should guide their actions, especially if they are honest.
This quote by Albert Camus emphasizes the importance of integrity and conviction in one's beliefs. It suggests that a person who acts honestly will allow their understanding of truth to direct their behavior, indicating that our principles and truths are foundational to how we live our lives.
In practice
During a debate on ethics, one could use this quote to reinforce the idea that moral beliefs should guide decisions.
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.
The possession of power inevitably spoils the free use of reason.
People like comfort; that's natural. But as for making money simply for the sake of making it, and giving yourself far more trouble and anxiety to gain it than you can ever get pleasure from it when it's gained, why, as for me, I'd rather sit still and cross my arms.
Truth is found neither in the thesis nor the antithesis, but in an emergent synthesis which reconciles the two.
Very little of the great cruelty shown by men can really be attributed to cruel instinct. Most of it comes from thoughtlessness or inherited habit. Extract from 'Memories of childhood and youth.'
I'm an atheist and I thank God for it.
Deep is the well of truth and long does it take to know what has fallen into its depths.
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