Some deny the existence of misery by pointing to the sun; he denies the existence of the sun by pointing to misery.
Franz KafkaRead
The relationship to one's fellow man is the relationship of prayer, the relationship to oneself is the relationship of striving; it is from prayer that one draws the strength for one's striving.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of both interpersonal connections and inner dedication in achieving personal strength and growth.
Franz Kafka highlights the dual nature of human experience: the connection we share with others through empathy and prayer, and the internal journey we undertake through personal effort and striving. He suggests that it is through prayer—whether in a spiritual sense or as a form of reflection—that individuals gain the strength necessary to pursue their goals and improve themselves. This interplay between caring for others and working on oneself creates a balanced approach to achieving fulfillment in life.
Themes
PrayerStrivingRelationshipsStrengthSelf-Reflection
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about personal growth and resilience.
More from Franz Kafka
All quotes →One 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.
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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.
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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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