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
The need for novelty is the characteristic of an alienated gorilla.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The longing for new experiences often reflects a deeper sense of disconnection or alienation.
Cioran's quote suggests that the desire for novelty may stem from a feeling of alienation, much like how an alienated gorilla might seek out new environments or experiences as a form of escape or expression of dissatisfaction. This reflects a common human experience where the search for change or excitement can indicate underlying feelings of discontent or disconnection from one's surroundings or self.
Themes
NoveltyAlienationGorillaDisconnectionExperience
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about mental health, one might use this quote to address feelings of isolation and the importance of seeking fulfilling experiences.
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.
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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
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