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Single Idea 23065

[filed under theme 18. Thought / D. Concepts / 5. Concepts and Language / a. Concepts and language ]

Full Idea

If only we could reach back before the concept, could write on a level with the senses, record the infinitesimal variations of what we touch, do what a reptile would do if it were to set about writing!

Gist of Idea

If only we could write like a reptile, of endless sensations and no concepts!

Source

E.M. Cioran (The Trouble with Being Born [1973], 02)

Book Ref

Cioran,E.M.: 'The Trouble with Being Born', ed/tr. Richard Howard [Penguin 2012], p.24

A Reaction

A lovely thought. It is a huge effort for us to try to imagine a mental life without concepts. And then to express that mental life in words…..!

The 17 ideas from 'The Trouble with Being Born'

23064 So-called wisdom is just pondering things instead of acting [Cioran]
23062 It is better to watch the hours pass, than trying to fill them [Cioran]
23063 The first man obviously found paradise unendurable [Cioran]
23067 Suicide is pointless, because it always comes too late [Cioran]
23065 If only we could write like a reptile, of endless sensations and no concepts! [Cioran]
23068 People who really believe anti-realism don't bother to prove it [Cioran]
23066 Negation doesn't arise from reasoning, but from deep instincts [Cioran]
23069 Fear cures boredom, because it is stronger [Cioran]
23071 We could only be responsible if we had consented before birth to who we are [Cioran]
23070 We morally dissolve if we spend time with excessive beauty [Cioran]
23072 Systems are the worst despotism, in philosophy and in life [Cioran]
23073 Convictions are failures to study anything thoroughly [Cioran]
23076 If people always acted without words we would take them for robots [Cioran]
23075 A text explained ceases to be a text [Cioran]
23074 In anxiety people cling to what reinforces it, because it is a deep need [Cioran]
23077 The word 'being' is very tempting, but in fact means nothing at all [Cioran]
23078 Opinions are fine, but having convictions means something has gone wrong [Cioran]