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
Society: an inferno of saviors!
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that society is filled with individuals who see themselves as righteous or saving others, yet it can lead to conflict and suffering.
Emile M. Cioran's quote captures a cynical view of society, viewing it as a chaotic place populated by those who believe they are moral 'saviors'. This self-perception can create an intense atmosphere where individuals strive to impose their views and beliefs on others, often leading to conflict, division, and a lack of true understanding among people.
Themes
SocietySaviorsConflictMoralityChaos
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the complexities of social activism, one might quote Cioran to emphasize the paradox of self-declared saviors causing division.
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.
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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