Dismissing political opponents’ lived commitment was a standard weapon in the Sartre circle’s polemics.

Evidence

Camus’ vision of endless self-moderating rebellion is appealing — but it was rightly seen as an attack on Soviet Communism and its fellow travellers. Sartre knew that it was directed partly against himself, and he could not forgive Camus for playing into the hands of the right at a delicate historical moment. … He accused Jeanson of misrepresenting his argument, and added, ‘I am beginning to become a little tired of seeing myself … receive endless lessons in effectiveness from critics who have never done anything more than turn their armchair in history’s direction.’ — Sarah Bakewell, At the Existentialist Café, 811

Categorization

• CANDY: The ‘armchair in history’s direction’ jab is a quotable swipe worth sharing.