The premonition of madness is complicated by the fear of lucidity in madness, the fear of the moments of return and reunion... One would welcome chaos if one were not afraid of lights in it.
Emile M. CioranRead
We are afraid of the enormity of the possible.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the fear that arises when faced with infinite possibilities in life.
Cioran's quote speaks to the overwhelming nature of potentiality and how the vast array of choices and outcomes can incite fear and anxiety. It reflects the human experience of grappling with the enormity of what could be, which often leads individuals to retreat from making decisions or embracing change, as the potential consequences can seem daunting and unmanageable.
Themes
FearPossibilityDecisionPotentialAnxiety
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about embracing change.
More from Emile M. Cioran
All quotes βThere was a time when time did not yet exist. β¦ The rejection of birth is nothing but the nostalgia for this time before time.
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A marvel that has nothing to offer, democracy is at once a nation's paradise and its tomb.
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Paradise was unendurable, otherwise the first man would have adapted to it; this world is no less so, since here we regret paradise or anticipate another one. What to do? Where to go? Do nothing and go nowhere, easy enough.
Emile M. CioranRead
It is not worth the bother of killing yourself, since you always kill yourself too late.
Emile M. CioranRead
Ambition is a drug that makes its addicts potential madmen.
Emile M. CioranRead
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