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
Think of God and not religion, of ecstasy and not mysticism. The difference between the theoretician of faith and the believer is as great as between the psychiatrist and the psychotic.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus on a personal connection with the divine rather than institutional beliefs, highlighting the distinction between true belief and theoretical understanding.
This quote by Emile M. Cioran invites individuals to prioritize a personal and emotional relationship with God over adherence to structured religious practices. Cioran emphasizes the chasm that exists between someone who simply theorizes about faith and a genuine believer, suggesting that the latter experiences a profound, sometimes ecstatic connection, akin to the distinction between a mental health professional and someone suffering from psychosis.
Themes
GodReligionFaithBeliefMysticismTheoryEcstasy
In practice
Example use cases
During a spiritual retreat, this quote could inspire discussions about personal belief.
More from Emile M. Cioran
All quotes →We are afraid of the enormity of the possible.
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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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