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 decided not to oppose anyone ever again, since I have noticed that I always end by resembling my latest enemy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that opposing others leads to adopting their negative traits, so it's better to avoid conflict.
Cioran reflects on the consequences of resentment and rivalry, asserting that engaging in opposition can inadvertently change one's character to mirror that of their adversaries. By choosing not to oppose anyone, one preserves their own identity and avoids being negatively influenced by the conflicts they engage in.
Themes
OppositionIdentityAngerConflictSelf-Reflection
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion on minimizing conflict in personal relationships.
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.
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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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