Camus' quote about finding the truth

Most of the time it is the case that we don't even really want to start. Once we have started, however, we do not want to do more than the necessary minimum. However, with minimal effort, only a minimal result can be achieved.

Always go too far, because there you will find the truth.

Albert camus

But why should the truth not be at the end of the path, but quite a bit further on? This has to do with the fact that in our everyday life we usually do not even walk the path to the very end, but we are already satisfied when we see the end. After all, if we know what awaits us at the end, we don't need to go any further.

To express it a little more understandably: If you had to write an A4 page as homework in school, you usually stopped after three quarters of a page. After all, you had already written enough not to get into trouble.

But if we approach all tasks in our lives with a similar attitude, we will never see what we are actually capable of. Charles Bukowski already said, That you should go all the way.

Of course, it takes some courage to go further than necessary. After all, you can do something wrong. In addition, if you really put your heart and soul into something, you have to answer for your mistakes. If, as in the example, you do your homework just enough, then when you are reprimanded you can say that you didn't try hard anyway. If, on the other hand, one is actually trying to do one's best, then any criticism of the matter is something that we actually have to deal with.

What also stands out when you read the quote from Camus is that he talks about always going too far. This may seem a bit exaggerated at first glance, but upon reflection, it becomes apparent that this is the simplest way to find out what you are good at and where you should focus your energy.

Franz Kafka once said that Paths are created by walking, this is in combination with the quote from Albert Camus all the more true. After all, the new paths will only emerge where the old ones stop, or in other words: new paths emerge where one goes too far.

So try to do your best in your everyday life, even in the most mundane activities. Whether it's doing your homework, washing the dishes, or taking a walk in the park. After all, you never know where the truth is waiting for you.

If you are also personally interested in philosophy in general, you might be interested in this article interest. Simon explains why philosophy can be more than just a good hobby.