“Test yourself on mankind. It is something that makes the doubter doubt, the believer believe.”
- July 3, 1883 – June 3, 1924
- Born in the Austro-Hungarian Empire
- Writer, lawyer
- Had a major influence on 20th century literature with works such as “The Metamorphosis,” “The Trial,” and “The Castle”
Quote
“Test yourself on mankind. It is something that makes the doubter doubt, the believer believe.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franz Kafka explores the power of human experience as a means of testing or challenging one’s beliefs, convictions, and assumptions about the world. By advising the reader to “test yourself on mankind,” Kafka seems to suggest that the true measure of one’s understanding or beliefs lies in interacting with others, engaging with the complexity of human relationships, and confronting the realities of human nature. The quote implies that humanity—in all its contradictions, flaws, and virtues—has the ability to either strengthen or undermine one’s worldview. For the doubter, this engagement with mankind deepens their skepticism, confirming their doubts about human nature or the meaning of life. On the other hand, for the believer, these same interactions can serve to reinforce their faith or beliefs, providing confirmation of their convictions and the validity of their perspective.
Kafka’s works often present characters who are deeply alienated from humanity, yet their interactions with others force them to reckon with their own beliefs and assumptions. In The Trial, for example, Josef K. is caught in a bureaucratic web where he must constantly navigate the actions and attitudes of others, which only deepen his sense of isolation and doubt. In The Metamorphosis, Gregor Samsa’s interactions with his family, after his transformation, challenge his sense of identity and purpose. Kafka’s characters often find that their engagement with others only reinforces their sense of futility or disillusionment. However, for those who hold onto faith or convictions, these interactions can affirm their beliefs, even in the face of absurdity and suffering. Kafka’s quote highlights this dual aspect of human interaction—affirming for some, but disillusioning for others.
In the modern context, Kafka’s words resonate with the ongoing tension between belief and doubt in the face of global challenges and human suffering. The experience of engaging with others—whether through personal relationships, social media, or political discourse—often leads individuals to either reinforce or question their worldview. The doubter may grow more skeptical, as they observe the flaws and inequalities of the world, while the believer may find their faith in human goodness or spirituality strengthened by acts of compassion, resilience, or solidarity. Kafka’s reflection invites us to consider how our interactions with others shape our sense of meaning and truth. It suggests that to test ourselves—to truly understand the world and our place within it—we must face the diversity of human experiences and the contradictions inherent in our shared existence. Through these encounters, we either doubt more deeply or believe with greater conviction, and it is through this dynamic that we come to understand not only the world around us but also the beliefs we choose to hold.
