This quote is a deep exploration of existentialism, a philosophy that Albert Camus is known for. It suggests that life, in all its complexity and absurdity, is a mystery that we can never fully comprehend or articulate. If we choose to continue living despite the inherent challenges and absurdities, we must accept life as it is, without attempting to rationalize or explain it.

The phrase “does not kill oneself” refers to the decision to continue living, to face the absurdity of life head-on. According to Camus, if we make this choice, we must then “keep silent about life,” meaning we should cease our attempts to make sense of life’s inherent chaos and randomness. It’s not a call for physical silence, but a philosophical one – a silence of trying to explain or justify the unexplainable or unjustifiable.

Applying this idea to today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with information, opinions, and narratives that attempt to make sense of our complex reality. We are often pressured to have an opinion, to take a stance, to find meaning in every event. However, Camus’ perspective suggests that there is value in embracing the mystery and uncertainty of life, and in resisting the urge to oversimplify or rationalize it.

In terms of personal development, this quote could be seen as advocating for acceptance and resilience. Instead of getting frustrated when life doesn’t go as planned or when things don’t make sense, we can choose to accept the unpredictability of life. This doesn’t mean giving up or becoming passive, but rather acknowledging that we can’t control everything, and that’s okay. It’s about finding peace in the chaos, and living fully and authentically despite it.