“A stair not worn hollow by footsteps is, regarded from its own point of view, only a boring something made of wood.”
- 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
“A stair not worn hollow by footsteps is, regarded from its own point of view, only a boring something made of wood.”
Explanation
In this reflection, Franz Kafka uses the image of a stair to explore the theme of meaning as it is shaped by experience. A stair, in its original state, may appear to be just a simple object—nothing more than a “boring something made of wood.” However, from the perspective of the stair, its significance only emerges through use—through the footsteps that wear it down. Kafka’s metaphor suggests that meaning or purpose in life is not inherent in things or actions themselves; rather, it is created through engagement and interaction with them. A stair’s true value comes from the process of climbing it, and the wear left behind is a visible mark of experience, journey, and growth. Without these traces of action, the stair remains just a static object, devoid of the stories or experiences that give it significance.
Kafka’s work often delves into the relationship between the individual and the world—how people define themselves and their lives through the actions they take, the choices they make, and the experiences they undergo. In this metaphor, the stair represents life or opportunity, and the footsteps represent the personal journey that imbues life with meaning. Without the footsteps, the stair would be empty, much like an existence without action or purpose. The idea that the stair, viewed from its own point of view, is a “boring something” suggests the emptiness that might arise from a life that has not been lived or acted upon—one that is untouched by experience, and therefore unfulfilled.
Kafka’s metaphor is particularly resonant in the modern context, where people often feel overwhelmed by the incessant demands of life and the pressure to find meaning in a world that seems increasingly detached or mechanized. In a society that often values productivity and accomplishment, it’s easy to overlook the importance of small actions, daily choices, and experiences that build up over time. Kafka’s quote reminds us that meaning is often made not in grand, singular moments, but in the steady accumulation of lived experiences, much like the gradual wear of the stair from countless steps. It suggests that, just as the stair becomes significant through the impressions left by those who climb it, so too can our lives become meaningful through the choices we make and the experiences we embrace, no matter how small or mundane they may seem. The idea of the “worn hollow” step highlights that growth and change often come not from large, dramatic events, but from the quiet, often invisible, process of engagement with the world around us.
