The quote suggests that attempting suicide as a way out of life's difficulties is futile because it always comes too late. When one reaches a point where they contemplate ending their life, it implies that the struggle and pain have already been experienced to an extent that might be irreversible or at least deeply entrenched.
On a deeper level, the statement points towards the inevitability of human suffering and the transient nature of our attempts to escape from it. It suggests that people often find themselves in situations where they feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges only after enduring prolonged periods of hardship and despair. The timing of such realizations is crucial because the decision to end one's life comes when there seems to be no hope left, but at this point, the damage has already been done, making a fresh start or resolution less attainable.
Emil Cioran was a Romanian philosopher and essayist known for his pessimistic views on human existence. Born in 1911, he lived through significant historical events that likely influenced his worldview, including World War II and the Cold War era. His writings often explore themes of despair, absurdity, and the futility of human endeavors, reflecting a profound disillusionment with societal norms and personal aspirations.