Quote by Emile Durkheim

One cannot long remain so absorbed in contemplation of emptiness without being increasingly attracted to it. In vain one bestows on it the name of infinity; this does not change its nature. When one feels such pleasure in non-existence, one's inclination can be completely satisfied only by completely ceasing to exist.

One cannot long remain so absorbed in contemplation of empti

Summary

This quote highlights the paradoxical nature of contemplating emptiness. It suggests that a prolonged focus on emptiness can lead to a deep attraction or fascination with it. Regardless of how one might label emptiness, such as infinity, its essence remains unchanged. The quote also implies that when someone finds pleasure in non-existence, the only way their inclination can be truly satisfied is by ceasing to exist completely. It points towards the idea that a preoccupation with emptiness can challenge one's desire for existence and provoke a yearning to transcend worldly matters.

Topics

Thought

By Emile Durkheim

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