"The welfare of the people in particular has always been the alibi of tyrants"

Albert Camus' quote is a warning versus the abuse of power. He is recommending that dictators commonly make use of the welfare of individuals as a reason to validate their oppressive activities. This quote implies that authoritarians are not actually concerned with the well-being of individuals, but rather use it as a cover for their very own selfish rate of interests. It is a suggestion that those in power must not be relied on thoughtlessly which we ought to watch out for those that claim to be acting in the most effective rate of interests of the people. Camus' quote is a tip that we ought to always be attentive and also concern those in power, as they may be making use of the well-being of the people as a justification to advance their own program.