The Fall

by Albert Camus

But do you know why we are always more just and more generous toward the dead? The reason is simple. With them there is no obligation.

But to be happy it is essential not to be too concerned with others. Consequently, there is no escape. Happy and judged, or absolved and wretched.

We are all exceptional cases. We all want to appeal against something! Each of us insists on being innocent at all cost, even if he has to accuse the whole human race and heaven itself.

One plays at being immortal and after a few weeks one doesn’t even know whether or not one can hang on till the next day.

At the end of all freedom is a court sentence; that’s why freedom is too heavy to bear, especially when you’re down with a fever, or are distressed, or love nobody.