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About this quote

What does it mean?
Philosophy is often used to hide a lack of courage to act or face reality.
In plain terms
People use philosophy because they are too afraid to act.
What can you take from it?
Do not hide behind ideas when action is required.

Where it applies

  • debate
  • personal decision
  • ethical dilemma

Putting it to work

  • prioritize action
  • examine motives
  • face challenges

Questions to consider

  • Are you avoiding action with ideas?
  • When does thinking help?

Another view

Philosophy can also provide necessary insight before action.

More from Albert Camus

  1. So many men are deprived of grace. How can one live without grace? One has to try it and do what Christianity never did: be concerned with the damned.

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  2. The greatest saving one can make in the order of thought is to accept the unintelligibility of the world -- and to pay attention to man.

    Permalink to quote #70
  3. I leave Sisyphus at the foot of the mountain! One always finds one's burden again. But Sisyphus teaches the higher fidelity that negates the gods and raises ro…

    Permalink to quote #67

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