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.
Franz KafkaRead
Association with human beings lures one into self-observation.
Franz KafkaRead
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
Similar quotes
I shall not want Honor in Heaven For I shall meet Sir Philip Sidney And have talk with Coriolanus And other heroes of that kidney.
T. S. EliotRead
The time when there is nothing at all in your soul except a cry for help may be just that time when God can't give it: you are like the drowning man who can't be helped because he clutches and grabs. Perhaps your own reiterated cries deafen you to the voice you hoped to hear.
C. S. LewisRead
Man's deliberate destruction of his own habitat -- planet Earth -- could serve as a mighty theme for a mighty book worthy of a modern Melville or Tolstoy. But our best fictioneers confine themselves to domestic drama -- soap opera with literary trimmings.
Edward AbbeyRead
This work was strictly voluntary, but any animal who absented himself from it would have his rations reduced by half.
George OrwellRead
Man's main task in life is to give birth to himself, to become what he potentially is. The most important product of his effort is his own personality.
Erich FrommRead
All along we find that social life - religion, politics, art - reflects the stages reached in the development of the knowledge of self; it shows the social uses made of this knowledge.
James Mark BaldwinRead