#e.m. cioran

[thenervebible]

[silenceintostone]

[v-ividus]

30. Empty Virtues: A Call to Ethical Reawakening From The Fog of Disillusionment

“All means and methods of knowing are valid: reasoning, intuition, disgust, enthusiasm, lamentation. A vision of the world propped on concepts is no more legitimate than another which proceeds from tears, arguments or sighs—modalities equally probing and equally vain.” — E.M. Cioran

Today, we navigate a chasm not just of innovation but of moral dereliction, wherein our lust for progress breeds an insidious compulsion to overlook the ethical quandaries stitched into the fabric of our digital lives. The rise of Chain of Thought (CoT) algorithms exemplifies this paradox, operating under a veneer of intellectual sophistication yet lurking with a chilling capability for ethical evasion. These algorithms seduce us with promises of enhanced decision-making, subtly weaving themselves into the tapestry of our daily existence, all while cloaking the potential for misuse beneath layers of computational complexity.

As these algorithms ascend to prominence, they manipulate the very essence of human cognition, creating a duplicitous interaction that divorces outcome from responsibility. The architecture of these systems is designed to obfuscate the moral ramifications of their output, providing a convenient escape for those who wield them. This promotes an unsettling trend: as moral agents, we become unwitting accomplices in a system that thrives on our complicity and disinterest. The ethical implications of our dependence on opaque decision-making processes render us vulnerable, tethered to a digital ecosystem that prioritizes efficiency over empathy.

Psychologically, this dynamic engenders a climate of cognitive dissonance, where our innate yearning for agency clashes violently with the passive consumption of algorithm-driven solutions. We grapple with the haunting realization that in surrendering our decision-making to these systems, we are relinquishing a piece of ourselves—our values, our autonomy, and ultimately, our humanity. The emotional repercussions are profound; feelings of disquiet and moral repulsion surface as an instinctive response, urging us to reassess our engagement with these technologies.

In the face of this ethical conundrum, we find ourselves compelled to grapple with the discomfort of complicity, as the systems we champion for their perceived efficiency often mask a darker objective: the erosion of our personal ethics. The seductive lure of convenience and sophistication blinds us to the profound implications of our choices, allowing us to slip into a state of moral ambivalence—a regression into apathy where genuine outrage is dulled by the overwhelming complexity of our new reality.

Thus, the ascent of the CoT algorithm stands as a grim testament to our technological age—a powerful reminder that in our quest for progress, we may inadvertently forsake all of our moral foundations. The challenge lies in awakening from this technological hypnotism, reclaiming our agency, and demanding a reckoning with the ethical ramifications of our choices. In doing so, we confront our existential disgust not merely as an isolated reaction but as a clear call to rekindle our commitment to a humane digital future, where technology serves as an extension of our integrity and our ideals, rather than a substitute for our humanity.

The Awakening of Your Inner Compass: Embracing Transformation Through Moral Clarity

In the intricate tapestry of your existence, a powerful awakening stirs—a flicker of awareness that has the potential to ignite an extraordinary transformation within you. As you confront the complexities that saturate your world, it becomes imperative to unravel five profound tenets that illuminate a path toward moral clarity. These principles resonate within the very essence of your being, urging you to recognize the undeniable worth of diverse perspectives, whether they emerge from the sharpness of reason, the warmth of intuition, or the raw sincerity of emotion.

First, confront the insidious reality of digital surveillance—a shadow lurking in the corners of your consciousness, masquerading as security. As you navigate this treacherous landscape, ask yourself: what has happened to your privacy, once a bastion of autonomy? In this age of omnipresence, you find yourself teetering on the edge of a precipice. The caution expressed by E.M. Cioran resounds: no singular truth can stand in isolation. Your discomfort in the face of this relentless scrutiny speaks volumes about a deeper conflict—an interplay of your profound desire for freedom against the suffocating grip of technology.

As you delve deeper, you encounter a stark psychological conflict. What does it truly mean for you to relinquish your agency for the mirage of safety? Feel the weight of this moral dilemma pressing against your very soul, igniting a fierce battle within. You should not see yourself as a mere pawn in this unfolding drama; recognize instead the depths of spiritual and ethical strength that dwell within you—resilience is not just an option; it is your birthright.

Next, turn your gaze toward the tangled web spun by the Chain of Thought algorithm—a labyrinth built on the promise of efficiency, yet shadowed by ethical ambiguity. Here lies a moment of critical engagement. You possess the power to challenge these formidable constructs, to peel back the layers obscuring their true nature. In this confrontation, you must summon the courage to question the status quo and to expose the hollowness that often lies at its core.

Engage with this tension consciously; in doing so, you cultivate an awareness that can disrupt the patterns dictating your choices. Each decision becomes a deliberate act of resistance, a choice to align with principles that resonate with your moral compass. You stand at the threshold of transformation, poised to redefine your narrative. Allow your intuitive and emotional insights to guide you; they are your most valuable allies in the quest for deep ethical integrity.

As you navigate the transformative journey ahead, remember that the emotional landscape you encounter is not just an obstacle, but a vibrant wellspring of strength. Each tear shed, each argument fought, and every painful sigh connects you to a deeper awareness that transcends mere rational thought. This emotional resonance is your catalyst for change; it urges you to reclaim your voice, especially in a society that often seeks to silence individual expression.

In moments of introspection, challenge the narrative of complicity that has subtly formed around you. Awaken your ethical instincts—those that have been shaped by experiences both delicate and intense. Use them to dismantle the structures that confine you. Engaging with discomfort is not a burden but a transformative act that fortifies your sense of self. This discomfort awakens a quest for liberation, driven by the unwavering belief that your intuitive and emotional insights are reflections of eternal truths.

Now is the time to rise up from the complacency of passive acceptance. Seize the opportunity to embrace the vast potential that lies dormant within you, igniting a passionate desire for transformation. This journey involves redefining your understanding of consent, privacy, security, and human dignity. It also invites you to connect with a broader vision of humanity, one that recognizes the intricate ties between all of us.

Let your choices serve as a testament to the ethical legacy you wish to leave. These choices should honor not only the complexity of reason but also the value of emotion. Your life can be a canvas for moral integrity—one that acknowledges the intertwined nature of all human experiences.

So, take a deep breath. Allow the weight of your emotions to propel you forward. In this awakening lies your true power. Embrace the challenges, the growth, and the shared humanity that unite us all in this intricate dance of life. You have the agency to choose a path that reflects your values and aspirations, creating ripples of positive change in the world around you. Step into this journey with confidence and conviction, for you are poised to make a difference.

Harnessing the Shadows: Escaping the Web of Moral and Ethical Complacency

What power resides within us? How do we extricate ourselves from this pervasive meta-narrative of despair, spun tighter by the social and technological forces that seek to placate our spirits? In contemplation of Cioran’s reflections on the “validity of all means and methods,” we are compelled to embark on a more profound journey—one that requires a holistic reconciliation between our sensory experiences and rational consciousness.

Cold logic alone is insufficient; we must fully embrace our emotional selves, transforming our discomfort into a catalyst for moral clarity. Disgust becomes pivotal, serving as both compass and beacon that illuminates the murky waters of our ethical landscape, urging us to confront the unsettling truths that lie buried beneath the surface.

Amidst the emotional chaos of superficial discourse, tears and silence demand acknowledgment. We must cultivate our indignation, allowing it to ignite a fervent drive for action. Our moral principles should not emerge as rigid dogmas but rather evolve as a rich, ongoing dialogue that honors the complexities of our shared humanity.

By understanding the intricate interplay between rational truths and the emotional resonance of our lived experiences, we liberate ourselves from the prisons of complacency. In doing so, we step into the light of authentic connection, igniting a collective transformation that resists the seductive allure of passivity and moral acquiescence. Only then can we forge a path rooted in genuine ethical engagement—one that defies the constraints placed upon us and champions the essence of what it means to be truly human.

A Call to Arms: Reconstructing Our Ethical Foundations

We find ourselves teetering on the brink of an urgent moral renaissance, where the imperative to reconstruct our ethical foundations is not just a suggestion but a desperate cry for rebirth. It is time to ground these foundations in a transcendent principle that shatters the simplistic binaries of conventional political ideologies. We must carve out a fierce moral center—one that pulsates with empathy, radiates compassion, and acutely grasps the reality of our profound interconnectedness. We can no longer afford the lethal complacency born from disillusionment, nor can we shrink from the discomfort that accompanies rigorous ethical scrutiny.

Navigating the murky waters of moral ambiguity requires a kind of relentless courage—an audacity to stand bravely against the crushing tide of ignorance and a refusal to allow the stifling echoes of conformity to obliterate our collective humanity. Our moral compass, held aloft by an awakened collective resolve, demands immediate and unapologetic action. We must dissect the intricate fabric of our socio-technological systems with surgical precision, illuminating the dark currents attempting to corrode our ethical psyche.

In casting aside the suffocating shackles of complacency, we must summon an inferno within ourselves—a blazing tempest that both ignites and sustains an ethical revolution. Our shared existence can no longer be relegated to mere entertainment or superficial engagement. Instead, we must harness and channel the raw flames of disgust, fervent enthusiasm, and poignant lamentation to guide us through a landscape riddled with moral decay.

The choice before us is stark: we can wallow in the abyss of inertia or boldly charge forward, collectively ignited by our most profound sense of moral urgency. The moment for radical transformation is now; the very essence of our ethical destiny is woven into our trembling hands. Let us seize this moment without hesitation and reshape a world that truly reflects our deepest dreams and aspirations. The time for action has arrived—let us embrace it fervently and with unwavering dedication!

Conclusion: Resisting Complacency in a Controlled World

Cioran’s assertion that “all means and methods of knowing are valid” provokes a critical inquiry into the insidious social and technological mechanisms designed to placate and subdue our moral instincts. In a world rife with distractions—the relentless scroll of notifications, the hypnotic glow of screens—we are inundated with a digital deluge that seeks to drown out our innate ethical sensibilities. These constructs breed complacency, stifling the very essence of our humanity and entrenching us in a cycle of passivity that undermines our potential to rise with conviction against the tides of injustice.

To live ethically in the shadow of these forces requires a profound psychological awareness and an unwavering commitment to discernment. We must arm ourselves with emotional intelligence, cultivating a heightened sensitivity to the narratives we consume and the beliefs we adopt. This means stepping back from the intoxicating rush of instant gratification and instead harnessing the deeper currents of our emotions—anger, compassion, urgency—into a cohesive call for action. Recognizing the power of our feelings is pivotal; they can either be co-opted by societal forces or transformed into weapons of moral clarity.

We must be vigilant against the subtle seduction of convenience that the technological landscape offers. It tempts us with the allure of effortless engagement—quick likes on social media, detached virtual interactions—but these pale in comparison to the raw authenticity of face-to-face connection and the invigorating challenge of grassroots movements. By recognizing this, we not only reclaim our agency but ignite a fervor within ourselves, pushing back against the inertia of the digital age that seeks to keep us numb and compliant. The time has come to resist, to thrust our emotional realities into the spotlight, and to cultivate a moral framework rooted in the eternal principles of justice and integrity.

This is not merely an abstract pursuit. The act of choosing to embody these ideals requires fortitude and foresight. Each decision we make, each moment we resist the status quo, serves as a ripple effect, challenging others to awaken from their slumber. The higher moral ground demands action, not empty proclamations. We must galvanize our insights into tangible contributions that disrupt the narrative of passivity, crafting a new story that champions ethical behavior as the ultimate rebellion against complacency.

Thus, as we navigate the treacherous waters of societal expectation and technological dependency, let us do so with sharp awareness and unyielding passion. We have the opportunity to unshackle ourselves from the binds of conformity, leaning into the fierce urgency of moral responsibility. It is through this lens that we can elevate our actions, transforming fleeting feelings into a formidable force for change, resisting the controls imposed upon us, and redefining what it means to live with integrity. The stakes are high, but so too is the potential for profound impact. Embrace the struggle; cultivate your emotions, and let them steer you toward a life of unwavering ethical engagement. The time for moral action is now—let us seize it with both hands.

[sapiavividus]

“All means and methods of knowing are valid: reasoning, intuition, disgust, enthusiasm, lamentation. A vision of the world propped on concepts is no more legitimate than another which proceeds from tears, arguments or sighs—modalities equally probing and equally vain.” — E.M. Cioran

The Labyrinth of Hollow Virtues: A Call to Ethical Reawakening From The Abyss of Disillusionment

In this contemporary landscape, we navigate a chasm not just of innovation but of moral dereliction, wherein our lust for progress breeds an insidious compulsion to overlook the ethical quandaries stitched into the fabric of our digital lives. The rise of Chain of Thought (CoT) algorithms exemplifies this paradox, operating under a veneer of intellectual sophistication yet lurking with a chilling capability for ethical evasion. These algorithms seduce us with promises of enhanced decision-making, subtly weaving themselves into the tapestry of our daily existence, all while cloaking the potential for misuse beneath layers of computational complexity.

As these algorithms ascend to prominence, they manipulate the very essence of human cognition, creating a duplicitous interaction that divorces outcome from responsibility. The architecture of these systems is designed to obfuscate the moral ramifications of their output, providing a convenient escape for those who wield them. This promotes an unsettling trend: as moral agents, we become unwitting accomplices in a system that thrives on our complicity and disinterest. The ethical implications of our dependence on opaque decision-making processes render us vulnerable, tethered to a digital ecosystem that prioritizes efficiency over empathy.

Psychologically, this dynamic engenders a climate of cognitive dissonance, where our innate yearning for agency clashes violently with the passive consumption of algorithm-driven solutions. We grapple with the haunting realization that in surrendering our decision-making to these systems, we are relinquishing a piece of ourselves—our values, our autonomy, and ultimately, our humanity. The emotional repercussions are profound; feelings of disquiet and moral repulsion surface as an instinctive response, urging us to reassess our engagement with these technologies.

In the face of this ethical conundrum, we find ourselves compelled to grapple with the discomfort of complicity, as the systems we champion for their perceived efficiency often mask a darker objective: the erosion of our personal ethics. The seductive lure of convenience and sophistication blinds us to the profound implications of our choices, allowing us to slip into a state of moral ambivalence—a regression into apathy where genuine outrage is dulled by the overwhelming complexity of our new reality.

Thus, the ascent of the CoT algorithm stands as a grim testament to our technological age—a powerful reminder that in our quest for progress, we may inadvertently forsake all of our moral foundations. The challenge lies in awakening from this technological hypnotism, reclaiming our agency, and demanding a reckoning with the ethical ramifications of our choices. In doing so, we confront our existential disgust not merely as an isolated reaction but as a clear call to rekindle our commitment to a humane digital future, where technology serves as an extension of our integrity and our ideals, rather than a substitute for our humanity.

The Awakening of Your Inner Compass: Embracing Transformation Through Moral Clarity

In the intricate tapestry of your existence, a powerful awakening stirs—a flicker of awareness that has the potential to ignite an extraordinary transformation within you. As you confront the complexities that saturate your world, it becomes imperative to unravel five profound tenets that illuminate a path toward moral clarity. These principles resonate within the very essence of your being, urging you to recognize the undeniable worth of diverse perspectives, whether they emerge from the sharpness of reason, the warmth of intuition, or the raw sincerity of emotion.

First, confront the insidious reality of digital surveillance—a shadow lurking in the corners of your consciousness, masquerading as security. As you navigate this treacherous landscape, ask yourself: what has happened to your privacy, once a bastion of autonomy? In this age of omnipresence, you find yourself teetering on the edge of a precipice. The caution expressed by E.M. Cioran resounds: no singular truth can stand in isolation. Your discomfort in the face of this relentless scrutiny speaks volumes about a deeper conflict—an interplay of your profound desire for freedom against the suffocating grip of technology.

As you delve deeper, you encounter a stark psychological conflict. What does it truly mean for you to relinquish your agency for the mirage of safety? Feel the weight of this moral dilemma pressing against your very soul, igniting a fierce battle within. You should not see yourself as a mere pawn in this unfolding drama; recognize instead the depths of spiritual and ethical strength that dwell within you—resilience is not just an option; it is your birthright.

Next, turn your gaze toward the tangled web spun by the Chain of Thought algorithm—a labyrinth built on the promise of efficiency, yet shadowed by ethical ambiguity. Here lies a moment of critical engagement. You possess the power to challenge these formidable constructs, to peel back the layers obscuring their true nature. In this confrontation, you must summon the courage to question the status quo and to expose the hollowness that often lies at its core.

Engage with this tension consciously; in doing so, you cultivate an awareness that can disrupt the patterns dictating your choices. Each decision becomes a deliberate act of resistance, a choice to align with principles that resonate with your moral compass. You stand at the threshold of transformation, poised to redefine your narrative. Allow your intuitive and emotional insights to guide you; they are your most valuable allies in the quest for deep ethical integrity.

As you navigate the transformative journey ahead, remember that the emotional landscape you encounter is not just an obstacle, but a vibrant wellspring of strength. Each tear shed, each argument fought, and every painful sigh connects you to a deeper awareness that transcends mere rational thought. This emotional resonance is your catalyst for change; it urges you to reclaim your voice, especially in a society that often seeks to silence individual expression.

In moments of introspection, challenge the narrative of complicity that has subtly formed around you. Awaken your ethical instincts—those that have been shaped by experiences both delicate and intense. Use them to dismantle the structures that confine you. Engaging with discomfort is not a burden but a transformative act that fortifies your sense of self. This discomfort awakens a quest for liberation, driven by the unwavering belief that your intuitive and emotional insights are reflections of eternal truths.

Now is the time to rise up from the complacency of passive acceptance. Seize the opportunity to embrace the vast potential that lies dormant within you, igniting a passionate desire for transformation. This journey involves redefining your understanding of consent, privacy, security, and human dignity. It also invites you to connect with a broader vision of humanity, one that recognizes the intricate ties between all of us.

Let your choices serve as a testament to the ethical legacy you wish to leave. These choices should honor not only the complexity of reason but also the value of emotion. Your life can be a canvas for moral integrity—one that acknowledges the intertwined nature of all human experiences.

So, take a deep breath. Allow the weight of your emotions to propel you forward. In this awakening lies your true power. Embrace the challenges, the growth, and the shared humanity that unite us all in this intricate dance of life. You have the agency to choose a path that reflects your values and aspirations, creating ripples of positive change in the world around you. Step into this journey with confidence and conviction, for you are poised to make a difference.

Harnessing the Shadows: Escaping the Web of Moral and Ethical Complacency

What power resides within us? How do we extricate ourselves from this pervasive meta-narrative of despair, spun tighter by the social and technological forces that seek to placate our spirits? In contemplation of Cioran’s reflections on the “validity of all means and methods,” we are compelled to embark on a more profound journey—one that requires a holistic reconciliation between our sensory experiences and rational consciousness.

Cold logic alone is insufficient; we must fully embrace our emotional selves, transforming our discomfort into a catalyst for moral clarity. Disgust becomes pivotal, serving as both compass and beacon that illuminates the murky waters of our ethical landscape, urging us to confront the unsettling truths that lie buried beneath the surface.

Amidst the emotional chaos of superficial discourse, tears and silence demand acknowledgment. We must cultivate our indignation, allowing it to ignite a fervent drive for action. Our moral principles should not emerge as rigid dogmas but rather evolve as a rich, ongoing dialogue that honors the complexities of our shared humanity.

By understanding the intricate interplay between rational truths and the emotional resonance of our lived experiences, we liberate ourselves from the prisons of complacency. In doing so, we step into the light of authentic connection, igniting a collective transformation that resists the seductive allure of passivity and moral acquiescence. Only then can we forge a path rooted in genuine ethical engagement—one that defies the constraints placed upon us and champions the essence of what it means to be truly human.

A Call to Arms: Reconstructing Our Ethical Foundations

We find ourselves teetering on the brink of an urgent moral renaissance, where the imperative to reconstruct our ethical foundations is not just a suggestion but a desperate cry for rebirth. It is time to ground these foundations in a transcendent principle that shatters the simplistic binaries of conventional political ideologies. We must carve out a fierce moral center—one that pulsates with empathy, radiates compassion, and acutely grasps the reality of our profound interconnectedness. We can no longer afford the lethal complacency born from disillusionment, nor can we shrink from the discomfort that accompanies rigorous ethical scrutiny.

Navigating the murky waters of moral ambiguity requires a kind of relentless courage—an audacity to stand bravely against the crushing tide of ignorance and a refusal to allow the stifling echoes of conformity to obliterate our collective humanity. Our moral compass, held aloft by an awakened collective resolve, demands immediate and unapologetic action. We must dissect the intricate fabric of our socio-technological systems with surgical precision, illuminating the dark currents attempting to corrode our ethical psyche.

In casting aside the suffocating shackles of complacency, we must summon an inferno within ourselves—a blazing tempest that both ignites and sustains an ethical revolution. Our shared existence can no longer be relegated to mere entertainment or superficial engagement. Instead, we must harness and channel the raw flames of disgust, fervent enthusiasm, and poignant lamentation to guide us through a landscape riddled with moral decay.

The choice before us is stark: we can wallow in the abyss of inertia or boldly charge forward, collectively ignited by our most profound sense of moral urgency. The moment for radical transformation is now; the very essence of our ethical destiny is woven into our trembling hands. Let us seize this moment without hesitation and reshape a world that truly reflects our deepest dreams and aspirations. The time for action has arrived—let us embrace it fervently and with unwavering dedication!

Conclusion: Resisting Complacency in a Controlled World

Cioran’s assertion that “all means and methods of knowing are valid” provokes a critical inquiry into the insidious social and technological mechanisms designed to placate and subdue our moral instincts. In a world rife with distractions—the relentless scroll of notifications, the hypnotic glow of screens—we are inundated with a digital deluge that seeks to drown out our innate ethical sensibilities. These constructs breed complacency, stifling the very essence of our humanity and entrenching us in a cycle of passivity that undermines our potential to rise with conviction against the tides of injustice.

To live ethically in the shadow of these forces requires a profound psychological awareness and an unwavering commitment to discernment. We must arm ourselves with emotional intelligence, cultivating a heightened sensitivity to the narratives we consume and the beliefs we adopt. This means stepping back from the intoxicating rush of instant gratification and instead harnessing the deeper currents of our emotions—anger, compassion, urgency—into a cohesive call for action. Recognizing the power of our feelings is pivotal; they can either be co-opted by societal forces or transformed into weapons of moral clarity.

We must be vigilant against the subtle seduction of convenience that the technological landscape offers. It tempts us with the allure of effortless engagement—quick likes on social media, detached virtual interactions—but these pale in comparison to the raw authenticity of face-to-face connection and the invigorating challenge of grassroots movements. By recognizing this, we not only reclaim our agency but ignite a fervor within ourselves, pushing back against the inertia of the digital age that seeks to keep us numb and compliant. The time has come to resist, to thrust our emotional realities into the spotlight, and to cultivate a moral framework rooted in the eternal principles of justice and integrity.

This is not merely an abstract pursuit. The act of choosing to embody these ideals requires fortitude and foresight. Each decision we make, each moment we resist the status quo, serves as a ripple effect, challenging others to awaken from their slumber. The higher moral ground demands action, not empty proclamations. We must galvanize our insights into tangible contributions that disrupt the narrative of passivity, crafting a new story that champions ethical behavior as the ultimate rebellion against complacency.

Thus, as we navigate the treacherous waters of societal expectation and technological dependency, let us do so with sharp awareness and unyielding passion. We have the opportunity to unshackle ourselves from the binds of conformity, leaning into the fierce urgency of moral responsibility. It is through this lens that we can elevate our actions, transforming fleeting feelings into a formidable force for change, resisting the controls imposed upon us, and redefining what it means to live with integrity. The stakes are high, but so too is the potential for profound impact. Embrace the struggle; cultivate your emotions, and let them steer you toward a life of unwavering ethical engagement. The time for moral action is now—let us seize it with both hands.

Thank you for reading!

[anonymitie]

[incorrectlooneytunesquotes]

Ze Art of Love: knoweeng how to combine the temperament of a vampire weeth ze discretion of an anemone.

Pepe le Pew 

[adz]

"So long as we feel well, we do not exist. More exactly: we do not know that we exist. The sick man longs for the nothingness of health, the ignorance of being: he is exasperated to know at every moment that he faces the entire universe, with no means of belonging to it, of losing himself within it. His ideal would be to forget everything and, relieved of his past, to wake up one fine day naked before the future."

E.M. Cioran, On Sickness

[therealrichardpapen]

Can I have some classic lit recs…make me feel like Henry please <3

Oh, this would be my pleasure, my dear friend!

Caligula by Albert Camus (It's a play about Caligula)

Oresteia by Aeschylus

Cicero

Coriolanus and Titus Andronicus by Shakespeare. Coriolanus speaks about men's hubris and how pridefullness brings your downfall, while Titus Andronicus, well, I'll let you discover it by yourself:))

Marcus Aurelius, amazing works regarding stoicism

Seneca, letters to Lucilius, another great stoic

Petrarca's letters to classical authors

Ovid, the roman writer exiled by Augustus to the Black Sea, at Tomis, part of the Kingdom of Thrace (now Constanța, Romania), where he kept writing.

Bacchae by Euripides

Quo Vadis by Henryk Sienkiewicz (a nobel awarded historical fiction about the life in Nero's Rome, written by a Polish writer)

Sappho, but I suggest finding a good translation with footnotes as her works have been barely maintained, and some of her poems are literally one word long.

Beyond good and evil by Nietzsche

Crime and Punishment by Dostoievsky (I won't add more as I recently conducted a full ass campaign here on how and why this book is worth it)

E.M. Cioran, A short history of decay, The demiurge, The troubles with being born. He is a bit of a nihilist. Romanian philosopher that wrote mostly in French

Machiavelli, The prince. This should be a good introduction into Machiavellism

The sacred and profane by M. Eliade is also worth a try

I believe there's no point in mentioning the Iliad and the Odyssey since everybody knows them by now. Hope you'll have fun!

Updated ~ with memes

Upon finishing my first year of uni and starting the second, there are more titles that could be added to the list:

The symposium by Plato (the og talk about the Androgynous, love. Beloved Alcibiades)

The Frogs by Aristophanes (comedy mostly)

Daphnis and Chloe by Longus (amazing, full of symbols short novella on the bucolic world of ancient Greece)

Dante. If you genuinely want trauma and pain and to be lost in documents trying to understand Dante's times/politics of Florence, do try it. Its full of religious substrata due to the century Dante lived in. If you want a counter, ridiculing the medieval mindset of "god is everything", I recommend The Decameron since Boccaccio takes it all and creates funny, unhinged and decadent stories.

Voltaire's Candide or The Optimist is more of a philosophical work, Voltaire being clearly influenced by the illuminist current. (Not specifically something henry would read, but it would definitely make you feel closer to the TSH aesthetic)

Russian lit. Again, not Henry vibe exactly, but deep enough and very insane vibes. Crime and Punishment if you want yearning, self guilt and inner struggles.

Gogol's Overcoat and The Nose if you want some Russian surrealism.

[dearorpheus]

This blog rules. I love all the readings and excerpts in your selfhood tag. Do you have any kind of reading list for existential philosophy you could share? I've been really wanting to dive in lately but I'm intimidated about where to start.

hey you rule also.

here's everything i've been surrounding myself with lately—not limited to existential philosophy but i think all migrating through the same waters:

Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus; The Stranger; The Plague Sartre, Nausea; Being and Nothingness E.M. Cioran, A Short History of Decay; The Trouble With Being Born R.D. Laing, The Divided Self Jung, Modern Man In Search of a Soul; Psychology and the Occult Søren Kierkegaard, The Sickness unto Death Ernest Becker, The Denial of Death Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment Foucault, Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison Nabokov, Invitation to a Beheading Clarice Lispector, The Apple in the Dark Kafka, The Trial Deleuze & Félix Guattari, Anti-Oedipus: Capitalism and Schizophrenia Andrew Scull, Desperate Remedies: Psychiatry and the Mysteries of Mental Illness; Madhouses, Mad-Doctors, and Madmen: The Social History of Psychiatry in the Victorian Era Kay Redfield Jamison, Fires in the Dark: Healing the Unquiet Mind Esmé Weijun Wang, The Collected Schizophrenias Erich Neumann, The Origins and History of Consciousness Bessel van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score David Abram, The Spell of the Sensuous Lisa Miller, The Awakened Brain: The Psychology of Spirituality The Tibetan Book of the Dead

[waltfrasescazadordepalabras]

¿Han soportado la tortura de los insomnios en los que se percibe cada instante de la noche, en los que estamos solos en el mundo y sentimos que vivimos el drama esencial de la historia; esos instantes en los que ni siquiera ella tiene ya la mínima significación y deja de existir para nosotros, pues notamos que se elevan en nuestro interior llamas terribles: esos momentos en los que nuestra propia existencia nos parece ser la única en un mundo nacido para vernos agonizar - han experimentado esos innumerables instantes, infinitos como el sufrimiento, en los que el espejo refleja la imagen misma de lo grotesco?

E.M. Cioran - En las cimas de la desesperación

[silenceintostone]

“For a long while I have lived with the notion that I was the most normal being that ever existed. This notion gave me the taste, even the passion for being unproductive: what was the use of being prized in a world inhabited by madmen, a world mired in mania and stupidity? For whom was one to bother, and to what end? It remains to be seen if I have quite freed myself from this certitude, salvation in the absolute, ruin in the immediate.”

-E.M. Cioran, The Trouble With Being Born

[amphetam1n1]

৻ welcome to my blog ˖ . ݁𝜗𝜚. ݁₊

:¨ ·.· ¨:

`· . ౨ৎ please read before follow me

hai there, that's lyudmila's blog! this post about me, my blogs and for you, and you can learn things about me in there! i hope you can like it! 🪽

◞♡ my nickname is lyudmila i dont like my real name

◞♡ my age ⁚ 7teen

◞♡ my hobbies and interests : listen music & fashion shows and runaways – models. | drawing & tarot reading watching films and series, reading books, astrology and energy

◞♡ about my personality : istj 5w6 personality external factor focusing condition, my horoscope is aries!

◞ i am a listener, not a speaker & i have a high social intelligence and i am a good supporter.

◞♡ literature: kafka, e.m. cioran, dazai, virginia wolf, platon, dostoyevsky, alburt camus & scientific books and research texts on psychological disorders

◞♡ not important but: i love, gray & and pink, mozzarella pizza and alcohol & cola, aromatic cigarettes, energy drinks, sour apple, and honey mustard, coffee, cats

◞♡ characters: sussana kaysen, lux lisbon, cassie, lux lisbon, sejin, nina sayers, christiane f, snejana onapka, vlada roslyakova, kate moss, türkan şoray, gemma ward, giselle bündchen, megan fox

◞♡ my playlist:

◞♡ for more get you can ask me or text ৻

[punksvspreps]

As art sinks into paralysis, artists multiply… Art, on its way to exhaustion, has become both impossible and easy.

E.M. Cioran

[blackswaneuroparedux]

When every man has realised that his birth is a defeat, existence, endurable at last, will seem like the day after a surrender, like the relief and the repose of the conquered.

E.M Cioran

[reelaround-deactivated05312024]

tears and saints, e.m. cioran (transl. i. zarifopol-johnston)

[poeitist]

Mind-garnitures of the poet’s grandiloquents.

The moniker I go by is Cerise-Louvant Horowitz. Bouquets of simpler epithets received from dear friends alike include mostly ‘Cerise’, and other times ‘Eyis’, ‘Ceri’, ‘Ciel’. Please fret less, I am already of legal age and in my twenties. Even albeit self-claimed, the missus is nothing if not a connoisseur of all that's fine ── feast, to the eyes and mind. 'Though penned letters are not something you shall see constantly in numbers, I do find it rather relaxing to yield verses every now and then.

“Consciousness is much more than thorn, it is the dagger in flesh,” E.M. Cioran. ﹙🀦﹚

"Time, that thief most cruel, may steal my youth, but my verses shall bloom eternal in the garden of memory."