Some deny the existence of misery by pointing to the sun; he denies the existence of the sun by pointing to misery.
Franz KafkaRead
There is a destination but no way there; what we refer to as way is hesitation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the idea that reaching a goal is often hindered by our own uncertainty and indecision.
Franz Kafka's quote reflects on the nature of pursuing aspirations, suggesting that while there may be an end goal or destination in mind, the journey toward it is complicated by our own hesitations and doubts. The 'way' to that destination is not a clear path but rather the internal struggles we face that prevent us from taking decisive action. This contemplation raises questions about the barriers we create for ourselves in the pursuit of our desires.
Themes
DestinationHesitationGoalJourneyAction
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of taking action despite fears.
More from Franz Kafka
All quotes βOne can disintegrate the world by means of very strong light. For weak eyes the world becomes solid, for still weaker eyes it seems to develop fists, for eyes weaker still it becomes shamefaced and smashes anyone who dares to gaze upon it.
Franz KafkaRead
But Gregor understood easily that it was not only consideration for him which prevented their moving, for he could easily have been transported in a suitable crate with a few air holes; what mainly prevented the family from moving was their complete hopelessness and the thought that they had been struck by a misfortune as none of their relatives and acquaintances had ever been hit.
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Association with human beings lures one into self-observation.
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A non-writing writer is a monster courting insanity.
Franz KafkaRead
The ulterior motives with which you absorb and assimilate Evil are not your own but those of Evil. _x000D_ The animal wrests the whip from its master and whips itself in order to become master, not knowing that this is only a fantasy produced by a new knot in the master's whiplash.
Franz KafkaRead
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