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
I have always struggled, with the sole intention of ceasing to struggle. Result: zero.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the futility of striving against one's struggles, suggesting that such efforts can lead to feeling defeated.
Emile M. Cioran's quote expresses a profound insight into the human condition; it illustrates how the constant battle against one's struggles can often seem fruitless, leading to a sense of resignation or even despair. The more one tries to end their struggles, the more they may find themselves trapped in a cycle of frustration, ultimately resulting in feelings of emptiness or no significant change. Cioran highlights the paradox of effort and struggle – despite the intention of overcoming difficulties, one might find themselves achieving nothing in the end.
Themes
StruggleFutilityEffortPhilosophyLife
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming life's challenges.
More from Emile M. Cioran
All quotes →We are afraid of the enormity of the possible.
Emile M. CioranRead
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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