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
Each of us is born with a share of purity, predestined to be corrupted by our commerce with mankind, by that sin against solitude.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We are all born inherently pure but are tainted by our interactions with others and the loss of solitude.
Emile M. Cioran reflects on the innate purity humans possess at birth, suggesting that this purity is gradually compromised through social interactions and the distractions of societal life. The phrase 'sin against solitude' implies that abandoning solitude leads to a loss of our true essence, as constant engagement with others can lead us away from our original, untainted selves.
Themes
PurityCorruptionSolitudeMankindInteraction
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophical discussion about the nature of humanity, this quote can highlight the tension between purity and corruption.
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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