Single Idea 23074

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / F. Existentialism / 3. Angst]

Full Idea

In anxiety, a man clings to whatever can reinforce, can stimulate his providential discomfort: to try to cure him of it is to destroy his equilibrium, anxiety being the basis of his existence and his prosperity.

Gist of Idea

In anxiety people cling to what reinforces it, because it is a deep need

Source

E.M. Cioran (The Trouble with Being Born [1973], 09)

Book Reference

Cioran,E.M.: 'The Trouble with Being Born', ed/tr. Richard Howard [Penguin 2012], p.123


A Reaction

A report from the front line of the age of anxiety, on which I am not qualified to comment. I assume that some anxiety can be a good thing, like nerves before a public performance.