“The relationship to one’s fellow man is the relationship of prayer, the relationship to oneself is the relationship of striving; it is from prayer that one draws the strength for one’s striving.”
- 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
“The relationship to one’s fellow man is the relationship of prayer, the relationship to oneself is the relationship of striving; it is from prayer that one draws the strength for one’s striving.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franz Kafka explores two foundational aspects of the human experience: our relationship to others and our relationship to ourselves. The relationship to one’s fellow man, according to Kafka, is likened to prayer—a deeply humbling, receptive act that calls for compassion, empathy, and a recognition of our shared humanity. Prayer, in this sense, is not necessarily a religious act but a metaphor for connection, respect, and acknowledgment of others in their full complexity and dignity. Kafka suggests that in our interactions with others, there is a profound spiritual quality, an openness to the needs, experiences, and realities of other people.
The second part of the quote introduces the relationship to oneself as a process of striving—the act of reaching for something beyond oneself, of growing, evolving, and seeking purpose in life. Kafka aligns this striving with a form of inner effort that requires discipline, resolve, and self-awareness. However, he asserts that the strength for this striving must come from prayer, or, metaphorically, from the act of humility and connection to the larger human experience. In other words, it is through our relationships with others—through prayer, compassion, and love—that we gain the inner strength, resolve, and energy necessary to pursue our own goals and personal growth.
Kafka’s view reflects his understanding of the interconnectedness of human life, where empathy for others and self-improvement are not separate but deeply entwined. In his works, characters often face alienation and self-doubt, struggling to find meaning in a world that seems indifferent or oppressive. Yet Kafka suggests that it is through acts of connection with others—whether through prayer, compassion, or shared understanding—that we draw the strength to overcome our own limitations and continue our striving for a meaningful existence. This dynamic reflects a spiritual or psychological reciprocity, where our engagement with others becomes the fuel for our inner journey.
In a modern context, this quote speaks to the necessity of community and empathy in an increasingly individualistic and isolated world. Kafka’s words challenge the idea of the self-made person who achieves success entirely through personal effort, independent of others. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of interdependence—that our personal growth and inner strength are not merely products of solitary striving but are deeply rooted in our connections to the people around us. In contemporary life, this insight invites us to reflect on how our relationships with others—whether family, friends, or even strangers—can provide the emotional and spiritual foundation needed for us to continue our own pursuits. The strength to face life’s challenges, Kafka suggests, comes not only from individual effort but from the compassion and shared humanity that bind us together.
