more from E.M. Cioran

Single Idea 19628

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / c. Purpose of ethics]

Full Idea

Epochs of apogee cultivate values for their own sake: life is only a means of realising them; the individual is not aware of living - he lives.

Clarification

'apogee' is the highest point

Gist of Idea

At a civilisation's peak values are all that matters, and people unconsciously live by them

Source

E.M. Cioran (A Short History of Decay [1949], 3)

Book Reference

Cioran,E.M.: 'A Short History of Decay', ed/tr. Howard,Richard [Penguin 2010], p.115


A Reaction

This is a very Nietzschean thought. Mind you, a crazed and dangerous crowd exhibits the same absorption in simple values.