Quote by Emil Cioran
We rightly scorn those who have no made use of their defects, who have not exploited their deficiencies, and have not been enriched by their losses, as we despise any man who does not suffer at being a man or simply at being. Hence no graver insult can be inflicted than to call someone 'happy', no greater flattery than to grant him a 'vein of melancholy'... This is because gaiety is link to no important action and because, except for the mad, no one laughs when he is alone.
Summary
This quote suggests that we should admire those who make the best of their weaknesses and transform them into strengths. It implies that those who ignore or do not take advantage of their flaws and experiences of loss do not fully appreciate the complexity of human existence. The quote also suggests that happiness, being trivial and disconnected from important actions, should not be the ultimate goal. Instead, having a touch of melancholy is considered a more meaningful and profound character trait, as laughter is only meaningful when shared with others and not when alone.
By Emil Cioran
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