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
Nothing is so wearing as the possession or abuse of liberty.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Liberty can be exhausting, whether it is used wisely or misused.
This quote by Emile M. Cioran suggests that the concept of liberty is not entirely freeing; rather, it can become a burden. The responsibilities that come with being free or the potential stress from the misuse of freedom can lead to a sense of weariness, highlighting the complex nature of liberty in human life.
Themes
LibertyFreedomBurdenResponsibilityPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the challenges of personal freedom at a philosophical seminar.
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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