Some deny the existence of misery by pointing to the sun; he denies the existence of the sun by pointing to misery.
Franz KafkaRead
Two possibilities: making oneself infinitely small or being so. The second is perfection, that is to say, inactivity, the first is beginning, that is to say, action.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that perfection is linked to inactivity while the act of beginning entails embracing our smallness and taking action.
Franz Kafka's quote reflects on the duality of existence and human experience, portraying the tension between striving for perfection through inaction and the idea that true beginnings involve purposeful action, no matter how humble. It implies that while aiming for an ideal might lead one toward stillness, embracing our less-than-perfect state encourages growth and action, ultimately fostering progress and self-discovery.
Themes
PerfectionActionInactivityBeginningsSmallness
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote at the beginning of a motivational speech about overcoming fear and taking action.
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.
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
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