"Great persecutors are recruited among martyrs whose heads haven't been cut off"
- Emile M. Cioran
About this Quote
This quote by Emile M. Cioran talks to the idea that those who have actually suffered considerably can become the best persecutors of others. It recommends that those who have experienced terrific suffering, such as martyrs who have actually not been eliminated, can become the most extreme in their persecution of others. This could be due to the fact that they have experienced the discomfort of suffering and want to avoid others from going through the exact same thing. It might also be due to the fact that they have a deep-seated anger and animosity towards those who have triggered them pain, and they want to take revenge. This quote implies that those who have suffered the most can end up being the most extreme in their persecution of others, and that this can be a harmful cycle. It is a reminder that we need to bear in mind how we deal with others, as we never understand how our actions may affect them in the future.
"To be really great in little things, to be truly noble and heroic in the insipid details of everyday life, is a virtue so rare as to be worthy of canonization"
"Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer"