“The thornbush is the old obstacle in the road. It must catch fire if you want to go further.”
- 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
“The thornbush is the old obstacle in the road. It must catch fire if you want to go further.”
Explanation
In this vivid metaphor, Franz Kafka uses the image of a thornbush to represent the obstacles or challenges that hinder progress in life. The thornbush, with its sharp, painful thorns, suggests difficulties that are not easily avoided or overcome. Kafka’s suggestion that the thornbush must “catch fire” implies that great change or transformation is required in order to move forward. The act of the thornbush catching fire represents destruction of the barrier, through force, will, or circumstance, in order to create a path ahead.
Kafka often explored the theme of struggle in his work, especially the internal and external barriers that prevent individuals from achieving their goals or understanding their true selves. In works like The Trial and The Metamorphosis, characters face insurmountable obstacles—be they bureaucratic systems, existential confusion, or personal alienation—that seem impossible to overcome without radical change or personal sacrifice. The idea that the thornbush must catch fire suggests that in order to overcome obstacles, one might need to destroy or radically transform the situation, rather than simply moving around it.
In modern life, this idea can be applied to personal growth or social change. Many of the obstacles we face, whether they are fear, self-doubt, or societal constraints, cannot simply be avoided or bypassed. Rather, they require confrontation or cathartic change. Kafka’s metaphor reminds us that progress often involves enduring hardship or disruption—only by confronting the obstacle head-on, even through painful or destructive means, can we hope to break free from its grip and move forward. This insight speaks to the necessity of facing challenges directly rather than simply hoping they will fade or dissolve on their own.
