Emil Cioran quotes

Emil Cioran was a Romanian philosopher known for his pessimistic views on life. Born in 1911, he gained recognition for his existentialist writings, exploring themes of despair, nihilism, and the absurdity of existence. Cioran's works have been translated into numerous languages and continue to influence thinkers worldwide. Despite his controversial ideas, he remains a respected figure in the philosophical community. Learn more about Emil Cioran and his impactful writings on existentialism.

No matter which way we go, it is no better than any other. It is all the same whether you achieve something or not, have faith or not, just as it is all the same whether you cry or remain silent.

- Emil Cioran

If I were to be totally sincere, I would say that I do not know why I live and why I do not stop living. The answer probably lies in the irrational character of life which maintains itself without reason.

- Emil Cioran

I would like to be free, totaly free... free like an aborted child.

- Emil Cioran

I don’t understand why we must do things in this world, why we must have friends and aspirations, hopes and dreams. Wouldn’t it be better to retreat to a faraway corner of the world, where all its noise and complications would be heard no more? Then we could renounce culture and ambitions; we would lose everything and gain nothing; for what is there to be gained from this world?

- Emil Cioran

How important can it be that I suffer and think? My presence in this world will disturb a few tranquil lives and will unsettle the unconscious and pleasant naiveté of others. Although I feel that my tragedy is the greatest in history—greater than the fall of empires—I am nevertheless aware of my total insignificance. I am absolutely persuaded that I am nothing in this universe; yet I feel that mine is the only real existence.

- Emil Cioran

How I wish I didn't know anything about myself and this world!

- Emil Cioran