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About this quote

What does it mean?
Even revolutions claim to be materialist are often driven by unlimited metaphysical ideals.
In plain terms
Revolutions often chase big philosophical ideals rather than just practical change.
What can you take from it?
Revolutions are often driven by ideals.

Where it applies

  • political science
  • social movements
  • historical analysis

Putting it to work

  • question revolutionary goals
  • analyze motivations
  • understand ideals

Questions to consider

  • What drives a revolution?
  • Are ideals more powerful than reality?

Another view

Many revolutions are driven by material necessity.

More from Albert Camus

  1. Even men without a gospel have their Mount of Olives. And one must not fall asleep on theirs either.

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  2. Even those who are fed up with morality ought to realize that it is better to suffer certain injustices than to commit them even in wars, and that such deeds d…

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  3. Does the end justify the means? That is possible. But what will justify the end? To that question, which historical thought leaves pending, rebellion replies: …

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