“Anyone who cannot come to terms with his life while he is alive needs one hand to ward off a little his despair over his fate… but with his other hand he can note down what he sees among the ruins.”
- 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”
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Quote
“Anyone who cannot come to terms with his life while he is alive needs one hand to ward off a little his despair over his fate… but with his other hand he can note down what he sees among the ruins.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franz Kafka reflects on the human condition, particularly the way in which we struggle to accept life and our fate, especially when it feels overwhelming or meaningless. The image of someone using one hand to ward off despair while the other hand records “what he sees among the ruins” suggests that, even in the midst of suffering and destruction, there is still a possibility of understanding or reflection. Kafka implies that, while it is natural to struggle with despair or to resist the overwhelming forces of fate, there is still value in taking a moment to observe and note what remains, even if the world around us is in ruin.
Kafka’s words resonate with the existential struggle that many of his characters experience. Whether in works like The Trial or The Metamorphosis, his characters often find themselves facing absurdity, alienation, and meaninglessness, yet Kafka suggests that in these moments of destruction and despair, there is still a possibility of reflection or insight. The ruins symbolize the brokenness of the world—whether it’s the collapse of personal dreams, social systems, or even moral order—and Kafka invites us to observe these ruins as a source of wisdom or understanding. The act of noting down what one sees in such circumstances represents a form of creative survival; it is a way to make sense of chaos and find meaning or insight, even in the face of existential despair.
In a modern context, this quote speaks to the challenge of accepting imperfection and unpredictability in life. Many people today feel a sense of disillusionment or alienation, especially in the face of personal hardships, societal breakdowns, or global crises. Kafka’s advice—to note down what one sees among the ruins—encourages a kind of creative resilience: rather than simply succumbing to despair, one can create meaning by documenting, reflecting, and seeking understanding, even amidst life’s inevitable difficulties. This approach echoes the importance of storytelling, art, and philosophy in times of crisis, where reflection and creativity become tools for coping with life’s chaos. By embracing the ruins and learning from them, individuals can find a way to engage with life, even when it seems beyond repair.
