The works of Franz Kafka, one of the most influential writers in the 20th century, are full of thought-provoking themes and ideas. His writings are often associated with existentialism and absurdism, as he explored the human condition and its struggles with power, justice, guilt, and freedom. Kafka’s work has inspired many authors, artists and philosophers alike who have sought to capture the essence of his writing in quotes about Kafka. These quotes offer insight into his unique perspective on life and provide an illuminating look into his works.1. “Kafka’s works certainly rank among the classics of modern fiction, not least because of the despair they express over man’s powerlessness in a world ruled by unfathomable and seemingly arbitrary forces.” – John Updike
2. “He is reported to have said that ‘a book must be the axe for the frozen sea inside us.’ and in his own books he achieved this with a terrifying intensity.” – Philip Roth
3. “Kafka is a writer who speaks to everyone, no matter what age or time period. He has managed to create stories that are deeply meaningful and still resonant today.” – Salman Rushdie
4. “Kafka’s influence is so profound that it has become part of our language and our way of thinking about the world.” – Harold Bloom
5. “Kafka’s work is a unique mix of humour and horror, absurdity and pathos, satire and prophecy.” – John Carey
6. “No one else has ever expressed so perfectly the terror of being alive.” – Milan Kundera
7. “Kafka’s stories are great because they tell us something about ourselves we didn’t know before – something essential, something elemental” – Margaret Atwood
8. “What Kafka does for me is to make me conscious of the strangeness of the world we live in” – Jonathan Franzen
9. “The beauty of Kafka lies in his ability to make you see the beauty in reality despite its apparent absurdity” – Haruki Murakami
10. “In Kafka I find an astonishing degree of insight into human behavior which I find hard to match elsewhere” – Martin Walser
10 Famous Quotes about Kafka
Franz Kafka is one of the most influential authors of the 20th century, whose works are still widely studied today. His stories and novels are often dark and surreal, offering unique insights into human experience. Here are 10 famous quotes by Kafka that capture the essence of his work:
“The meaning of life is that it stops.”
“The truth is never pleasant; it is desolate, destructive.”
“Every revolution evaporates and leaves behind only the slime of a new bureaucracy.”
“The book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us.”
“You can hold back from the suffering of the world, you have free permission to do so and it is in accordance with your nature. But perhaps this very holding back is the one suffering you could avoid.”
“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.”
“The doorkeeper says you cannot enter now…but in a certain sense he lies for he allows entry to those who can understand him.”
“It’s only because of their stupidity that they’re able to be so sure of themselves.”
“By believing passionately in something that still does not exist, we create it. The non-existent is whatever we have not sufficiently desired.”
“There is an infinite amount of hope in the universe…but not for us.”
10 Inspiring Quotes from Kafka
Franz Kafka is one of the most influential authors of the modern era, and his work has inspired generations. His writing often tackled themes of alienation, despair, and absurdity, and his unique take on life has left an indelible mark on literature. Here are 10 of his most inspiring quotes:
“You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait. Do not even wait, be quite still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked; it has no choice.”
“A non-writing writer is a monster courting insanity.”
“The meaning of life is that it stops.”
“The truth is a trap: you cannot get it without it getting you; you cannot get the truth by capturing it, only by its capturing you.”
“Start with what is right rather than what is acceptable.”
“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion.”
“The books we read should be chosen with great care, that they may be, like embraces, sources of courage and confidence.”
“By believing passionately in something that still does not exist, we create it. The nonexistent is whatever we have not sufficiently desired.”
“I am a cage in search of a bird.”
“You can hold yourself back from the sufferings of the world – that is something you are free to do – but perhaps this very holding back is the one suffering you could avoid.”
1. “The meaning of life is that it stops.” – Franz Kafka
Franz Kafka was a renowned novelist, short story writer, and philosopher. His works often explored themes of alienation, existential angst, and the struggles of the individual against oppressive forces in society. One of his most famous quotes is “the meaning of life is that it stops”. This statement speaks to the transient nature of life and serves as a reminder that our time here is finite. It is a poignant reminder to cherish each moment we have and make the most of our lives while we still can.
2. “Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion.” – Franz Kafka
Kafka believed that one should never compromise their true self in order to fit into society’s expectations or norms. He urged us not to change ourselves “according to the fashion”, but rather remain true to who we are and accept our imperfections. This quote encourages us to be unapologetically ourselves in an increasingly conformist world.
3. “You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen.” – Franz Kafka
This quote encourages us to take a step back from the busyness of life and find solace in our own company. Rather than running from one activity or obligation to another, Kafka suggests taking a break from all responsibilities and just listening within ourselves for once so we can reconnect with our inner voice and gain clarity on what truly matters.
4. “Start with what is right rather than what is acceptable.” – Franz Kafka
Kafka urges us not only to do what is right but also what is best for ourselves and those around us, regardless of how uncomfortable or inconvenient it may be at first. His words remind us that sometimes doing what society deems “acceptable” isn’t always the best option, but rather following our moral compass will lead us on a more fulfilling path in life.
5. “I think we ought to read only the kind of books that wound or stab us.” – Franz Kafka
Kafka believed that true growth comes from pushing ourselves outside our comfort zone by reading books that challenge us intellectually and emotionally. He encouraged readers not only consume books that are easy or entertaining but also those which provoke deeper thought and stimulate introspection.
10 Thought-Provoking Quotes from Kafka
Franz Kafka is often remembered for his dark and surreal works of literature. His unique writing style has left a lasting impression on readers around the world. His words often reflect on topics such as justice, alienation, and the absurdity of life. Here are 10 thought-provoking quotes from Franz Kafka:
“The meaning of life is that it stops.”
This quote speaks to the idea that life will eventually end and that we must make the most out of it while we can. It’s a reminder to cherish every moment we have and to appreciate the moments we create.
“You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait, be quiet still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked, it has no choice, it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.”
This quote speaks to the power of stillness and contemplation in order to gain clarity on any situation or issue. It’s a reminder that if we take time for ourselves, we can gain insight into our lives and our place in the world.
“A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us.”
This quote emphasizes the importance of books in breaking down any mental barriers that may exist within us. Books serve as a way for us to open up our minds and explore new ideas and perspectives on life.
“I think we ought to read only books that bite and sting us.”
This quote encourages readers to challenge themselves by reading works outside their comfort zone in order to grow as individuals. Taking risks with reading can help us gain new insights into ourselves and our environment.
“The truth is an abyss.”
This quote speaks to how difficult it can be sometimes to find absolute truth or certainty in life. We are constantly searching for answers but often come up empty-handed when it comes to finding an answer that satisfies every question we have about life or ourselves.
“Every revolution evaporates and leaves behind only the slime of a new bureaucracy.”
This quote speaks to how revolutions often fail due to bureaucratic entanglements or human nature getting in the way of progress being made. It’s a reminder that true change requires more than just an idea – it requires action from everyone involved if it is ever going to become reality.
“You need not leave your room…better stay sitting at your table than go out into a world which may have changed since you left home.”
This quote serves as a warning against leaving one’s comfort zone too quickly before they are ready for change or differences they might encounter outside their home environment. It also reminds readers not to let fear keep them from exploring new places or ideas when they feel ready for them.
“I am alone here among all these people who do not understand my language.”
This quote speaks directly about feeling isolated due to language barriers or cultural differences between oneself and those around them, something many people experience throughout their lives regardless of where they live or how well they know those surrounding them. It reminds readers that everyone has moments where they feel different than those around them, but this does not have to define who they are or dictate how others perceive them.
“I cannot make you understand; I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me…I cannot even explain it myself.”
This quote reflects upon how difficult it can be sometimes for people struggling with depression or other mental health issues trying express themselves when words fail them during times when their inner thoughts seem impossible for anyone else around them understand fully without experiencing what they are going through themselves first-hand . However, knowing someone is trying their best despite this obstacle can be reassuring enough for those struggling through these difficulties alone without having any other source of support available .
Stimulating Quotes by Kafka
Franz Kafka is widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. His works have inspired generations of readers, and his quotes continue to offer insight into the human condition. Here are 10 thought-provoking quotes from Kafka that will stimulate your mind:
“You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait, be quiet, still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked, it has no choice, it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.”
“It is often safer to be in chains than to be free.”
“The meaning of life is that it stops.”
“There is an infinite amount of hope in the universe… but not for us.”
“I think we ought to read only the kind of books that wound or stab us.”
“The truth is a trap: you cannot get it without it getting you; you cannot get the truth by capturing it, only by its capturing you.”
“A book must be the ax for the frozen sea within us.”
“One advantage in keeping a diary is that you become aware with reassuring clarity of the changes which you constantly suffer.”
“Every revolution evaporates and leaves behind only the slime of a new bureaucracy.”
“Don’t forget: life’s joys are not so joyous, nor its sorrows so sorrowful as they appear from afar.”
Notable Quotations from Kafka
Franz Kafka was a famous novelist and short story writer best known for his darkly absurdist works such as The Metamorphosis, The Trial, and The Castle. His words have inspired generations of writers, thinkers, and readers. Here are 10 of his most famous quotes:
“A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us.”
“We ought to read only books that bite and sting us.”
“I think we ought to read only the kind of books that wound or stab us. If the book we are reading does not wake us, as with a fist of iron, then why do we read it? So that it can make us happy?”
“The meaning of life is that it stops.”
“One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star.”
“You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait. Do not even wait, be quite still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked; it has no choice; it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.”
“It is only our conception of time that makes us call the Last Judgment by this name.”
“There is an infinite amount of hope in the universe…but not for us.”
“Our language is the reflection of ourselves. A language is an old accumulation of thoughts viewed from different angles.”
“We should only believe in a god who knows how to dance.”
10 Interesting Quotations from Kafka
Franz Kafka is widely regarded as one of the greatest literary minds of the 20th century. His work carries a unique blend of surrealism, dark humor, and social criticism that have captivated readers for decades. Here are 10 of his most interesting quotes that will make you think:
“You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait, be quiet still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked, it has no choice, it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.”
“A non-writing writer is a monster courting insanity.”
“One advantage in keeping a diary is that you become aware with reassuring clarity of the changes which you constantly suffer.”
“My ‘fear’ is my substance, and probably the best part of me.”
“The meaning of life is that it stops.”
“I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me. I cannot even explain it to myself.”
“It is not necessary that you leave the house. Remain at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait. Do not even wait, be quite still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked; it has no choice; it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.”
“The judgment was never pronounced: perhaps I was acquitted.”
“A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us.”
“Man can preserve a mere fragment of his past; therefore he cannot properly understand either himself or his fellow men.”
Conclusion
Franz Kafka’s quotes have a lot to offer to the modern reader. He was a complex thinker and writer who was able to articulate ideas that are still relevant and thought-provoking today. Kafka’s insights on life, death, and the human condition provide us with a unique perspective on our current lives. His words are timeless and can be used as inspiration or guidance for any situation. Whether it be an existential crisis or a simple reminder to enjoy life, Kafka’s words will never cease to be enlightening.
Kafka’s works continue to be studied and appreciated by scholars and laypeople alike. His unique writing style, use of symbolism, and profound thoughts make his work timeless and universal. His quotes can act as a beacon of light in dark times, providing comfort and clarity in uncertain circumstances. They offer insight into our humanity, reminding us of the power of literature in times of need.
Kafka’s quotes remind us that literature is more than words on paper; it is alive in our minds, capable of inspiring us to think differently about the world around us. He has left behind a legacy that will continue to influence readers for generations to come.