Skip to content

Despair Quote by Emil Cioran

“The sense that everything is going wrong has existed in every era, and rightly so since men have found no greater pleasure than in inventing new ways to make each other miserable.” quote by Emil Cioran
Download Open image
““The sense that everything is going wrong has existed in every era, and rightly so since men have found no greater pleasure than in inventing new ways to make each other miserable.””

Emil Cioran

About This Quote

Source Essay: On the Misery of Existence, 1934

Human history repeats the pleasure of causing suffering, reflecting a dark aspect of innovation.

In simple terms: People enjoy making each other suffer.

Key Takeaway

Beware destructive innovation.

Themes

human nature technology ethics

Mood

cynical thought‑provoking

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • politics
  • tech development
  • social media

Key Concepts

nihilism existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we find pleasure in causing misery?
  • Can innovation be redirected toward empathy?
A Different Perspective

Not all innovation is harmful; many improve lives.

4.8 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Emil Cioran

Explore all 260 Emil Cioran quotes

More Despair quotes

Browse all 3,181 Despair quotes