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
One can experience loneliness in two ways: by feeling lonely in the world or by feeling the loneliness of the world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Loneliness can be subjective or objective; it can come from personal feelings or from recognizing the widespread isolation in society.
This quote by Emile M. Cioran explores the dual nature of loneliness. It suggests that one can feel loneliness either as a result of their own emotional state, feeling isolated from those around them, or a broader understanding of how the world itself can be an inherently lonely place, filled with people who also feel disconnected and misunderstood. This deeper perspective highlights the universal nature of loneliness, where both personal feelings and societal conditions contribute to a sense of isolation.
Themes
LonelinessIsolationHuman ExperienceWorldSociety
In practice
Example use cases
Utilize this quote in a discussion about mental health and loneliness at a seminar.
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.
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It is not worth the bother of killing yourself, since you always kill yourself too late.
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