"All modern revolutions have ended in a reinforcement of the power of the State"
- Albert Camus
About this Quote
Albert Camus' quote recommends that all contemporary revolutions have ultimately failed to attain their goals. Rather, they have actually resulted in an increase in the power of the state. This implies that the state has actually been able to use the chaos of transformation to its benefit, allowing it to additional consolidate its power and authority. This is a cynical view of revolution, recommending that it is eventually futile and just serves to strengthen the existing class structure. It also suggests that the state is an effective and resilient force that is hard to topple. This quote serves as a cautioning to those who seek to challenge the status quo, suggesting that they ought to be gotten ready for the possibility of failure.
"Power is not of a man. Wealth does not center in the person of the wealthy. Celebrity is not inherent in any personality. To be celebrated, to be wealthy, to have power requires access to major institutions"