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
What a pity that 'nothingness' has been devalued by an abuse of it made by philosophers unworthy of it!
Interpretation
What this quote means
Cioran suggests that the concept of 'nothingness' has been misinterpreted and diminished by those who inadequately understand it.
In this quote, Emile M. Cioran expresses his discontent with how the philosophical idea of 'nothingness' has been improperly treated by philosophers he deems unworthy. He implies that the depth and complexity of 'nothingness' should be respected and understood, rather than being trivialized by superficial interpretations.
Themes
NothingnessPhilosophyValueUnderstandingInterpretation
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophical debate about existence, one might quote Cioran to emphasize the importance of understanding concepts like nothingness.
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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