On the Heights of Despair

E.M. Cioran

1934

February, 2023

8.5/10

For philosophy, Cioran is absolutely subjective. And, subjectively, I admire this book.

While I don't agree with everything he says, On the Heights of Despair feels like the very type of book I would wish write in the very same style. I particularly love the way Cioran describes the relationship between suffering and depth of character and art/lyricism.

My primary disagreement is the methodology by which he dismisses discussion on death. He claims that logic cannot be used for this in any form. Additionally, he can be a bit extreme in his wallowing and proclamations of despair.

Apart from that, reading On the Heights of Despair feels validating. It speaks to my soul and inspires me. Ironically, it fills me with life and passion. It makes me want to express and create.

Cioran speaks "the language of emotion" more so than providing objective viewpoints or arguments. For this reason and my own subjective experience of the book, I give it a high rating.