“By believing passionately in something that still does not exist, we create it. The nonexistent is whatever we have not sufficiently desired.”
- 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
“By believing passionately in something that still does not exist, we create it. The nonexistent is whatever we have not sufficiently desired.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franz Kafka presents a visionary and empowering perspective on belief and creation. He suggests that by investing ourselves passionately in an idea or ideal that has not yet materialized, we have the power to bring it into existence. The act of believing in something “that still does not exist” is not just an exercise in faith, but an active process of creation. Desire, according to Kafka, is a key force in transforming the nonexistent—the potential or unrealized—into something real and tangible. What we fail to desire or lack the courage to pursue remains in the realm of the nonexistent; it is our deep and genuine longing that gives life to new possibilities and opens the door to transformation.
Kafka’s insight is rooted in his exploration of the relationship between belief and action. In works like The Trial or The Castle, his protagonists are caught in bureaucratic or cosmic systems that seem indifferent or hostile to their desires. However, these characters also reveal a longing for meaning and purpose, and Kafka’s quote suggests that this yearning can be transformative. In this way, Kafka portrays the power of vision: the act of desiring what does not yet exist can be a catalyst for both personal transformation and collective change. The nonexistent is not merely absent, but represents what has not been truly desired, not because it is impossible, but because the human capacity for desire and belief has not yet fully embraced it.
In the modern world, Kafka’s message is relevant in the context of innovation, social movements, and personal growth. The idea that desire has the power to create the nonexistent speaks to the creative potential of human beings. Throughout history, many of the world’s greatest achievements—whether in science, art, or social change—were once thought impossible until someone believed passionately enough to pursue them. Technological advances, such as space exploration or artificial intelligence, began as ideas that did not yet exist in the material world but were brought into reality through vision and dedicated pursuit. On a personal level, this quote encourages individuals to pursue their dreams with passion and confidence, knowing that their deep desires have the potential to shape their future. Kafka challenges us to recognize that what we have not yet achieved may simply be the result of insufficient desire or lack of effort, and that the power to create our reality lies in the strength of our belief and willingness to act.
