“Hesitation before birth. If there is a transmigration of souls then I am not yet on the bottom rung. My life is a hesitation before birth.”
- 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”
table of contents
Quote
“Hesitation before birth. If there is a transmigration of souls then I am not yet on the bottom rung. My life is a hesitation before birth.”
Explanation
In this deeply existential statement, Franz Kafka explores the concept of life as an ongoing state of indecision or unfulfillment, using the metaphor of “hesitation before birth.” Kafka suggests that his existence, and perhaps human existence in general, is characterized by a profound pause or incomplete beginning, as if one’s life is always on the threshold of something yet to be fully realized. The reference to transmigration of souls (the idea that souls move from one body to another after death) further deepens this sense of unresolved potential, suggesting that Kafka feels as though he is not even at the starting point of his journey, still waiting for something to fully take shape.
This view reflects Kafka’s pervasive sense of alienation, self-doubt, and existential inertia, which are central themes in much of his work. Kafka often depicted characters trapped in limbo-like situations—be it in absurd bureaucratic systems, surreal predicaments, or inner struggles. Their actions and decisions often feel as if they are caught in an endless cycle of hesitation, unable to move forward or define themselves. The idea that his life is a “hesitation before birth” suggests that Kafka felt trapped in an eternal state of becoming, never fully arriving at a sense of purpose or identity.
In the context of modern life, this quote resonates with the experience of many people who feel stuck in a state of uncertainty or transitional phase. Whether it’s the sense of being in-between life stages, career changes, or identity struggles, Kafka’s words speak to the discomfort of not fully inhabiting one’s life, as if there is something incomplete or deferred in the way we engage with the world. This sense of waiting for something to happen—whether it’s a sense of meaning, purpose, or fulfillment—mirrors the modern existential condition where many people feel as though their lives have not yet truly begun. Kafka’s quote serves as a reminder of the tension between potential and realization, and the inherent unease that arises when we feel we are not yet fully living.
