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
When you have understood that nothing is, that things do not even deserve the status of appearances, you no longer need to be saved, you are saved, and miserable forever.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Understanding the illusory nature of existence can lead to a sense of liberation, but it may also bring about misery.
This quote by Emile M. Cioran explores the notion that once a person realizes the transient and illusory nature of reality, they attain a form of enlightenment that frees them from the struggles of existence. However, this understanding can simultaneously result in a sense of despair, as the acknowledgement of life's futility may lead to a persistent state of misery.
Themes
ExistenceIllusionEnlightenmentDespairReality
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophy class discussion about the nature of reality and perception.
More from Emile M. Cioran
All quotes →We are afraid of the enormity of the possible.
Emile M. CioranRead
There was a time when time did not yet exist. … 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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