“There are more things to admire in men then to despise.”

“There are more things in people that are rather worth of admiration than contempt.”

“And it was in the midst of shouts rolling against the terrace wall in massive waves that waxed in volume and duration, while cataracts of colored fire fell thicker through the darkness, that Dr. Rieux resolved to compile this chronicle, so that he should not be one of those who hold their peace but should bear witness in favor of those plague-stricken people; so that some memorial of the injustice and outrage done them might endure; and to state quite simply what we learn in time of pestilence: that there are more things to admire in men than to despise.”

“Believe me, for certain men at least, not taking what one doesn't desire is the hardest thing in the world.”

“False judges are held up in the world’s admiration and I alone know the true ones.”

“A writer writes to a great extent to be read (let's admire those who say they don't, but not believe them).”

“For instance, I never complained that my birthday was overlooked; people were even surprised, with a touch of admiration, by my discretion on this subject. But the reason for my disinterestedness was even more discreet: I longed to be forgotten in order to be able to complain to myself... Once my solitude was thoroughly proved, I could surrender to the charms of a virile self-pity.”