Every man Quote by Emil M. Cioran
““The notion that it would have been better never to exist is among those which meet with the most opposition. Every man, incapable of seeing himself except from inside, regards himself as necessary, even indispensable, every man feels and perceives himself as an absolute reality, as a whole, as the whole. The moment we identify ourselves entirely with our own being, we react like God, we are God. It is only when we live at once within and on the margins of ourselves that we can conceive, quite calmly, that it would have been preferable that the accident we are should never have occurred.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Trouble with Being Born, Emil Cioran, 1973
Recognizing our existence as both necessary and contingent reveals that self‑importance can be a delusion, and humility allows us to accept the possibility that we might not have been needed.
In simple terms: We are both essential and accidental; humility helps us see that.
Key Takeaway
Embrace humility and question absolute self‑importance.
Themes
existentialism
humility
self‑perception
philosophy
Mood
reflective
melancholic
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
existential
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- philosophical debates
- personal reflection
- creative writing
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
nihilism
subjectivity
identity
meaning
absurdity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does acknowledging our contingency affect your sense of purpose?
- Can humility coexist with healthy self‑esteem?
A Different Perspective
The view may overlook the value of individual agency and purpose.
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