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
Woes and wonders of power, that tonic hell, synthesis of poison and panacea.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Power has both positive and negative aspects, serving as both a cure and a curse.
This quote by Emile M. Cioran reflects on the dual nature of power, suggesting that while it can provide solutions and benefits (a panacea), it can also bring suffering and challenges (a poison). The juxtaposition of 'woes and wonders' emphasizes the complexity of power, highlighting how closely intertwined its harmful and beneficial effects can be.
Themes
PowerPhilosophyDualityInfluenceResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about political leadership.
More from Emile M. Cioran
All quotes βWe are afraid of the enormity of the possible.
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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.
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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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