I lost my sleep, and this is the greatest tragedy that can befall someone. It is much worse than sitting in prison.
Emil CioranRead
Isn't history ultimately the result of our fear of boredom?
Interpretation
What this quote means
History is shaped by our attempt to avoid monotony.
Emil Cioran's quote suggests that the progression of history is driven by humanity's intrinsic fear of boredom. This perspective implies that our actions and the events that unfold over time are often motivated by a desire to create meaning and excitement, steering our societies away from stagnation and toward continual change and development.
Themes
HistoryBoredomFearChangeHumanity
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the motivations behind historical events.
More from Emil Cioran
All quotes βHowever much I have frequented the mystics, deep down I have always sided with the Devil; unable to equal him in power, I have tried to be worthy of him, at least, in insolence, acrimony, arbitrariness and caprice.
Emil CioranRead
I saw that philosophy had no power to make my life more bearable. Thus I lost my belief in philosophy.
Emil CioranRead
If, at the limit, you can rule without crime, you cannot do so without injustices.
Emil CioranRead
The capital phenomenon, the most catastrophic disaster, is uninterrupted sleeplessness, that nothingness without release.
Emil CioranRead
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