Albert Camus

Absurdism, The Stranger

Modern influential 106 sayings

Sayings by Albert Camus

There is scarcely any passion without struggle.

1942 — The Myth of Sisyphus
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.

1952 — Return to Tipasa
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Don't walk in front of me… I may not follow. Don't walk behind me… I may not lead. Walk beside me… just be my friend.

Unknown — Often attributed to Camus, but its exact origin is disputed and likely apocryphal or a misattributio…
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Man is the only creature who refuses to be what he is.

1951 — The Rebel
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.

Unknown — Often attributed to Camus, but similar to the previous 'walk beside me' quote, this exact phrasing i…
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Beginning to think is beginning to be undermined.

1942 — The Myth of Sisyphus
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

There is no love of life without despair of life.

1942 — The Myth of Sisyphus
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A man's work is nothing but this slow trek to rediscover, through the detours of art, those two or three great and simple images in whose presence his heart first opened.

1957 — Speech upon receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I would rather live my life as if there is a God, and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't, and die to find out there is.

Unknown — This is Pascal's Wager, often misattributed to Camus. Camus was an atheist.
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.

1942 — The Myth of Sisyphus
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

What is called a reason for living is also an excellent reason for dying.

1942 — The Myth of Sisyphus
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The absurd is born of this confrontation between the human need and the unreasonable silence of the world.

1942 — The Myth of Sisyphus
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

To be happy, we must not be too concerned with others.

1942 — The Stranger
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.

Unknown — A similar sentiment appears in 'The Myth of Sisyphus,' but this exact phrasing is a common paraphras…
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The need to be right is the sign of a vulgar mind.

Unknown — Attributed, but hard to find in his major works. Could be from an interview or letter.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times.

Unknown — Attributed, but similar to others, the exact source in his published works is elusive. It reflects h…
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Integrity has no need of rules.

1937-1949 (Notebooks) — From a collection of essays or notes, 'Lyrical and Critical Essays' or 'Notebooks'.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The evil that is in the world comes from two things: ignorance and not thinking.

Unknown — Attributed, but the exact phrasing and source are difficult to pinpoint.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Truth, like light, is best seen by its own light.

Unknown — Attributed, but a common philosophical idea. Not directly found in his major works with this exact w…
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The only noble cause is the defense of man.

1960 (published posthumously) — From 'Resistance, Rebellion, and Death'.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable