To come alive again, one needs a special grace, self-forgetfulness, or a homeland. Certain mornings, on turning a corner, a delightful dew falls on the heart and then evaporates. But its coolness remains, and this is what the heart requires always. I had to set out again.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Revival requires a gift, losing oneself, or a sense of belonging. Moments of joy may pass, but their lingering coolness sustains the heart.
- In plain terms
- You need grace, selflessness, or home to feel alive again; even brief happiness leaves a lasting comfort.
- What can you take from it?
- Seek moments that refresh the heart, even if they are temporary.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What small moment lately refreshed you?
- Where do you find your sense of home?
Another view
Not everyone has access to a homeland or the capacity for self-forgetfulness.
More from Albert Camus
To a man devoid of blinders, there is no finer sight than that of the intelligence at grips with a reality that transcends it.
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Permalink to quote #229 Those who reject the agony of living and dying wish to dominate.
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