“This inner silence which accompanies me is born of the slow stride which leads from one day to another. What more can I long for than this room opening out on to the plain, with its antique furniture and its crocheted lace? I have the whole sky on my face, and feel that I could follow these slow, turning days forever, spinning motionlessly with them. I breathe in the only happiness I can attain—an attentive and friendly awareness.
I spend the whole day walking about: from the hill, I go down to Vicenza or else farther into the country. Every person I meet, every scent on this street, is a pretext for my measureless love … all are props for the person who can no longer be alone. But the tender and bitter piping of the grasshoppers, the perfume of water and stars that you meet in the September nights, the scented paths among the lentisks and rose bushes, all are signs of love for the person forced to be alone. Thus the days pass. After the dazzling glare of the sun-filled days, evening comes, in the splendid décor offered by the gold of the setting sun and the black of the cypress-trees. I then walk along the road, toward the crickets that can be heard far away. As I advance, they begin one by one to sing more softly, and then fall silent. I walk slowly forward, weighed down by so much ardent beauty.”
—Albert Camus, from “Lyrical and Critical,” Betwixt and Between (1937)
Credits: Quote Source: A Poet Reflects. Image of Vicenza Italy Countryside: Photoree.com
“I walk slowly forward, weighted down by so much ardent beauty” – and yet I feel his step as one that is so gentle on the earth. Good morning Dave.
Yes, I felt the same way Mimi. It was as if we were walking next to him as he described the scene. Good morning to you too Mimi.
I find it hard to believe, yet comforting, that others put my feelings into the perfect words–“I walk slowing forward, weighed down by so much ardent beauty”–it is a good overwhelming
And, he does so in 1937!
a few years before you and I were even thought of….
So incredibly beautiful… 🙂
Is it Carol. Thanks.
Lovely stuff.
It is…
Phenomenal writer – La Peste, L’Etranger. Unforgettable
Michael, I’ve been inspired by quotes I’ve come across. I read “The Plague” back in ’06 and was underwhelmed. I might not have been ready for him at that time. I might need to revisit. Any suggestions where I start?
It takes a couple of times to comprehend it. I read in french growing up, and revisited it about 5 summers ago. Also, read L’Etranger= the Stranger. Brilliant. Camus is actually what we call “Pied Noirs” Algerian born and raised of French descent. He struggled mightily with identity during the Algerian War of independence, and during their repatriation. He and others were not well received in France after they returned. His life was full of affairs (men and women), and he actually was more popular after his passing. I feel some of his pain Maronite growing up in a french territory and having to move on. But unlike the reception he had in France, America has been so fantastic and welcoming. I am a red blooded convert
…all are signs of love for the person forced to be alone. (smiling)! I often read his quotes on *Goodreads* but have never got the chance to get hold of his books. I will share two of my favorite quotes:
… “Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal.”
… “You know what charm is: a way of getting the answer yes without having asked any clear question.”
🙂 Love the quotes Sonia. Thanks for sharing.
🙂
… and how much more REAL it is in real life than online! I’m telling you – I’m experiencing life in a whole new way now that I’ve cut my online time drastically. Life DID exist before the internet ; )
No way. Explain how?
bella, bella, bella –
Is this code for something? No comprende.
beautiful, beautiful, beautiful
red faced. Of course I KNEW that