This was such an extraordinarily beautiful read! And such a fascinating discussion of Cioran—who I became interested in after reading Rob Doyle’s Threshold and the passages where Doyle tries to research Cioran in Paris (the same ones you linked to!)
So much truly stylish writing in your post; I liked this especially: “Cioran is not an exhaustive writer but an evacuative one. Seeing in the world nothing more than the Void, and finding inside that nothingness nothing more than a self—his self—a kind of inexhaustibly existing corpse, he elects to void the Void.”
This is terrific. I've only read "The Trouble With Being Born" and I also find myself returning to it when I'm taking myself too seriously. I love that you touched upon Leopardi who I am a fan of. I probably have "no business" reading either writer as I'm not an academic and I never attended college, but I appreciate both writers very much. Thank you for this wonderful essay.
Thanks, Jennifer! I think both Leopardi and Cioran (perhaps especially) would've bristled at the idea that any amount of time in academia would make someone better at reading them. :)
Great stuff! I think Cioran showed more of an affinity towards Buddhism than anything else, what with his obsession to not attach to *anything* (incl Buddhism). Of course, there are parallels between the Orthodox Christianity he was raised in and Buddhism, but I can glean a kind of nod of respect towards the latter from some of his aphorisms. It’s unfortunate that they still haven’t published his Notebooks in English (book was first announced 10+ years ago). Also, just an observation… there are a bunch of articles/notes on Cioran on Substack, many of my friends (not just writers) have read him, he was mentioned as an influence in the first season of True Detective (the only decent one) etc etc, so I guess he’s coming back into fashion (he would hate that tho lol)
one more remark: albiet a little snotty -- perhaps you might think of adding Headers to the Chronology parts.... And give your entry into "the mark" at top, a title, for christmas. Why forever not?
SOOOOO I have Cioran stuff on my substack. Very into him right now. As I am translating. I was wondering, this is very NICE, covers a lot, and its chatty.. I have only read it once quickly. I am going to reread a few times.
Would you mind if I included link to it on Cioran page my substack.
He comes up in my writing a lot these days about his aphorisma builds.... . I dont go into his history much just a bit of warmed over butter and really thats it.
I find him similarly cleansing when in grim, wallowing moods, probably because in his bilousness he is extraordinarily funny. Loved this piece.
Very much same! Biliousness is the perfect word. Thank you. :)
This was such an extraordinarily beautiful read! And such a fascinating discussion of Cioran—who I became interested in after reading Rob Doyle’s Threshold and the passages where Doyle tries to research Cioran in Paris (the same ones you linked to!)
So much truly stylish writing in your post; I liked this especially: “Cioran is not an exhaustive writer but an evacuative one. Seeing in the world nothing more than the Void, and finding inside that nothingness nothing more than a self—his self—a kind of inexhaustibly existing corpse, he elects to void the Void.”
Thanks, Celine! Very much appreciate the kind words on the writing here.
love his writing. am translating his journals from the french.
thanks.
This is terrific. I've only read "The Trouble With Being Born" and I also find myself returning to it when I'm taking myself too seriously. I love that you touched upon Leopardi who I am a fan of. I probably have "no business" reading either writer as I'm not an academic and I never attended college, but I appreciate both writers very much. Thank you for this wonderful essay.
Thanks, Jennifer! I think both Leopardi and Cioran (perhaps especially) would've bristled at the idea that any amount of time in academia would make someone better at reading them. :)
Good shit.
Thanks!
Great stuff! I think Cioran showed more of an affinity towards Buddhism than anything else, what with his obsession to not attach to *anything* (incl Buddhism). Of course, there are parallels between the Orthodox Christianity he was raised in and Buddhism, but I can glean a kind of nod of respect towards the latter from some of his aphorisms. It’s unfortunate that they still haven’t published his Notebooks in English (book was first announced 10+ years ago). Also, just an observation… there are a bunch of articles/notes on Cioran on Substack, many of my friends (not just writers) have read him, he was mentioned as an influence in the first season of True Detective (the only decent one) etc etc, so I guess he’s coming back into fashion (he would hate that tho lol)
one more remark: albiet a little snotty -- perhaps you might think of adding Headers to the Chronology parts.... And give your entry into "the mark" at top, a title, for christmas. Why forever not?
I don’t understand what you mean by “the mark”?
the thing going in on "itself" -- for the sake of itself.
I think of as the mark, or the mark of the infernal, raising its scar, or mixing "tar." Sorry, tendency to scat, via my poetic flanknstein.
SOOOOO I have Cioran stuff on my substack. Very into him right now. As I am translating. I was wondering, this is very NICE, covers a lot, and its chatty.. I have only read it once quickly. I am going to reread a few times.
Would you mind if I included link to it on Cioran page my substack.
He comes up in my writing a lot these days about his aphorisma builds.... . I dont go into his history much just a bit of warmed over butter and really thats it.
Concentrating on translation.
Page features translation from first entry.
https://dustyhope.substack.com/p/emile-coirans-notebooks-en-francais
Feel free to link!
thank you, will do.