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 I know at sixty, I knew as well at twenty. Forty years of a long, superfluous, labor of verification.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True understanding often remains unchanged over time; instead, we spend years validating what we already knew.
In this quote, Emile M. Cioran reflects on the idea that the insights and truths we grasp in our youth often remain valid throughout our lives. He emphasizes that many years spent seeking validation and verification of these truths can feel excessive, suggesting that wisdom does not necessarily evolve significantly but rather requires reaffirmation and reflection over time.
Themes
WisdomUnderstandingVerificationExperienceTruth
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech to encourage students to trust their instincts.
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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The wise man does not expose himself needlessly to danger, since there are few things for which he cares sufficiently; but he is willing, in great crises, to give even his life - knowing that under certain conditions it is not worthwhile to live.
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When I was willing to let go of what I wanted, I received what was truly mine. Iβve realized that the latter is always the greater gift.
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No, I'm fine,' said Harry, wondering why he kept telling people this, and wondering whether he had ever been less fine.
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It will not do merely to listen to great principles. You must apply them in the practical field, turn them into constant practice. What will be the good of cramming the high - sounding dicta of the scriptures? You have first to grasp the teachings of the Shastras, and then to work them out in practical life. Do you understand? This is called practical religion.
Swami VivekanandaRead
Do what is right, and you'll have no lasting regrets. Do what is right, and put yourself on the side of truth, goodness, and the best of life.
Ralph MarstonRead