Abstention Quote by Emil Cioran
““No one is responsible for what he is nor even for what he does. This is obvious and everyone more or less agrees that it is so. Then why celebrate or denigrate? Because to exist is to evaluate, to emit judgments, and because abstention, when it is not the effect of apathy or cowardice, requires an effort no one manages to make.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Trouble with Being, Emil Cioran, 1975
Existence demands judgment; avoiding it requires effort, yet most people cannot or will not do so.
In simple terms: Living means judging; not judging needs effort.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the cost of judgment and strive for mindful evaluation.
Themes
existentialism
ethics
human nature
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
existential
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- leadership
- conflict resolution
- art criticism
- everyday moral choices
Key Concepts
judgment
responsibility
effort
apathy
cowardice
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance necessary judgments with the desire to avoid unnecessary criticism?
- What practices help you cultivate mindful evaluation without falling into apathy?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue that judgment is inevitable and not a burden, making the effort to abstain unrealistic.
