A tarnished silver goblet lying on its side with a faded ribbon on a violet-gray background.

Original artwork, not a still

Albert Camus

Martyrs, my friend, have to choose between being forgotten, mocked or used. As for being understood - never.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

A bleak list of fates for martyrs: being forgotten, mocked or used. Being understood is off the menu entirely. Addressed to a friend, the tone is weary rather than heroic, suggesting sacrifice rarely earns the recognition people imagine.

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