A symbol always transcends the one who makes use of it and makes him say in reality more than he is aware of expressing.
Interpretation
Symbols carry deeper meanings that often extend beyond the creator's intentions.
In this quote, Albert Camus highlights the powerful nature of symbols, suggesting that they hold meanings and implications that can surpass the original thoughts of their creator. Symbols can evoke complex ideas and feelings in others, often communicating more than the individual who employs them is consciously aware of, revealing the intricate relationship between expression and understanding in human communication.
In practice
In a discussion on art, this quote can be used to underline how interpretations vary from viewer to viewer.
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.
An attack upon our ability to tell stories is not just censorship - it is a crime against our nature as human beings.
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.
To consider this desirable would be to delight in the slaughter of men; and he who delights in the slaughter of men cannot get his will in the kingdom.
I am not a theologian or a scholar, but I am very aware of the fact that pain is necessary to all of us. In my own life, I think I can honestly say that out of the deepest pain has come the strongest conviction of the presence of God and the love of God.
You cannot further the Brotherhood of Man by encouraging class hatred.
Reason is a faculty far larger than mere objective force. When either the political or the scientific discourse announces itself as the voice of reason, it is playing God, and should be spanked and stood in the corner.
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