Single Idea 19608

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / A. Wisdom / 3. Wisdom Deflated]

Full Idea

Wisdom is the last word of an expiring civilization, the nimbus of historic twilights, fatigue transfigured into a vision of the world, the last tolerance before the advent of newer gods, and of barbarism. A vain attempt at melody among the death rattles.

Gist of Idea

Wisdom is just the last gasp of a dying civilization

Source

E.M. Cioran (A Short History of Decay [1949], 1 'Twilight')

Book Reference

Cioran,E.M.: 'A Short History of Decay', ed/tr. Howard,Richard [Penguin 2010], p.36


A Reaction

I didn't quite get what he said there, but I picked up the tone all right. But I thought wisdom was something sought in the early stages of western civilization, and now relegated to the wings as an idle dream?