“To abandon oneself to principles is really to die”
— Albert Camus
Simplified Meaning:
When someone sticks to strict rules without flexibility, it’s like they are losing a part of their freedom and creativity. Imagine if a person follows a diet so strictly that they never allow themselves to enjoy a treat, even on special occasions. They might miss out on the joy of celebrating a birthday with a piece of cake or savoring a meal with friends, just because it doesn’t fit into their strict diet plan. This can make life feel dull and overly controlled. Living with balance is important; sometimes adapting to situations and being open to change can make life more enjoyable. If we hold too tightly to our principles without bending, we might not fully experience life's richness. Think of a tree in a storm – if it’s too rigid, the wind can break it. But if it’s flexible, it bends and survives. In life, being too rigid can hold us back, but being adaptable helps us grow and thrive.