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
Maniacs of Procreation, bipeds with devalued faces, we have lost all appeal for each other.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects a sense of disillusionment with human relationships and the loss of genuine connection among people.
In this quote, Cioran expresses a bleak perspective on humanity, suggesting that the depth of human connection has eroded, leaving individuals as mere 'bipeds' lacking in the ability to genuinely connect with one another. The term 'Maniacs of Procreation' implies a criticism of humanity's focus on reproduction and existence rather than on meaningful relationships, leading to a devaluation of personal appeal and authentic interaction.
Themes
HumanityConnectionDisillusionmentRelationshipsExistence
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about modern loneliness during a philosophy class.
More from Emile M. Cioran
All quotes βWe are afraid of the enormity of the possible.
Emile M. CioranRead
There was a time when time did not yet exist. β¦ The rejection of birth is nothing but the nostalgia for this time before time.
Emile M. CioranRead
A marvel that has nothing to offer, democracy is at once a nation's paradise and its tomb.
Emile M. CioranRead
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
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