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
A distant enemy is always preferable to one at the gate.
Interpretation
What this quote means
It is better to face challenges that are far away rather than immediate threats.
This quote by Emile M. Cioran suggests that an enemy or problem that is far removed is often more desirable than facing one that is right at our doorstep. It reflects on the human tendency to seek comfort in distance, both physically and emotionally, as immediate threats can evoke panic and a sense of urgency that distant issues do not.
Themes
EnemyDistanceThreatPhilosophyFear
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about strategic planning, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of anticipating problems before they become urgent.
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.
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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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