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Little time Quote by Albert Camus

“I have to admit it humbly, mon cher compatriote, I was always bursting with vanity. I, I, I is the refrain of my whole life, which could be heard in everything I said. I could never talk without boasting, especially if I did so with that shattering discretion that was my specialty. It is quite…” quote by Albert Camus
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““I have to admit it humbly, mon cher compatriote, I was always bursting with vanity. I, I, I is the refrain of my whole life, which could be heard in everything I said. I could never talk without boasting, especially if I did so with that shattering discretion that was my specialty. It is quite true that I always lived free and powerful. I simply felt released in the regard to all the for the excellent reason that I recognized no equals. I always considered myself more intelligent than everyone else, as I’ve told you, but also more sensitive and more skillful, a crack shot, an incomparable driver, a better lover. Even in the fields in which it was easy for me to verify my inferiority–like tennis, for instance, in which I was but a passable partner–it was hard for me not to think that, with a little time and practice, I would surpass the best players. I admitted only superiorities in me and this explained my good will and serenity. When I was concerned with others, I was so out of pure condescension, in utter freedom, and all the credit went to me: my self-esteem would go up a degree.””

Albert Camus

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Stranger by Albert Camus, 1942

The speaker boasts about his superiority and vanity, claiming constant confidence and condescension toward others.

In simple terms: He constantly boasts and feels superior.

Key Takeaway

Recognize humility and self‑awareness.

Themes

vanity ego self‑esteem confidence condescension

Mood

reflective critical introspective

Type

philosophical literary character study

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • career advancement
  • sports competition
  • creative pursuits

Key Concepts

existentialism self‑deception hubris

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you often compare yourself to others?
  • How does humility affect your relationships?
A Different Perspective

Overconfidence can blind one to genuine growth and connection.

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