Skip to content
quotesby

In the light, the earth remains our first and our last love. Our brothers are breathing under the same sky as we; justice is a living thing. Now is born that strange joy which helps one live and die, and which we shall never again postpone to a later time. On the sorrowing earth it is the unresting thorn, the bitter brew, the harsh wind off the sea, the old and the new dawn.

Albert Camus#158

CamusLifeJusticeHappinessHumanityEarthPresent

About this quote

What does it mean?
Life's joy comes from loving the earth and our shared humanity now, not later. This joy persists through sorrow.
In plain terms
Find joy in the earth and people now.
What can you take from it?
Experience joy immediately in the present world.

Where it applies

  • daily life
  • social movements
  • overcoming grief

Putting it to work

  • stay present
  • value the earth
  • share joy

Questions to consider

  • What brings you joy today?
  • Do you live for later?

Another view

Joy is often interrupted by hardship.

More from Albert Camus

  1. In the difficult hour we are living, what else can I desire than to exclude nothing and to learn how to braid with white thread and black thread a single cord …

    Permalink to quote #157
  2. In the twentieth century power wears the mask of tragedy.

    Permalink to quote #159
  3. In our daily trials rebellion plays the same role as does the 'cogito' in the realm of thought: it is the first piece of evidence. But this evidence lures the …

    Permalink to quote #156

Related quotes

  1. 'The future is no place to place your better days'

    Dave MatthewsDave Matthews quote #4
  2. Nunc est bibendum, nunc pede libero pulsanda tellus.

    HoraceHorace quote #8
  3. Le paradis terrestre est ou je suis.

    VoltaireVoltaire quote #9