“Tyranny or slavery, born of selfishness, are the two educational methods of parents; all gradations of tyranny or slavery.”
- 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
“Tyranny or slavery, born of selfishness, are the two educational methods of parents; all gradations of tyranny or slavery.”
Explanation
In this quote, Franz Kafka offers a critical perspective on the educational methods used by parents, framing them in terms of tyranny and slavery. Kafka argues that both of these oppressive dynamics stem from selfishness—a self-interest that leads parents to impose their will on their children in a way that limits their freedom and individuality. Tyranny here refers to the imposition of absolute control, while slavery refers to the subjugation of the child, both of which result in a form of oppression. Kafka suggests that, even if parents do not overtly force their children into servitude, the mechanisms of control they use—whether through guilt, manipulation, or authoritarianism—create environments where the child’s true autonomy is suppressed. These relationships are driven by selfish motives: parents act in ways that serve their own needs or desires for security, control, or conformity, rather than allowing the child to grow freely into their own personhood.
Kafka’s criticism of parental behavior aligns with many of the themes in his broader body of work, including the exploration of authority, alienation, and the tension between individual freedom and external constraints. His characters often find themselves trapped within rigid systems—whether familial, bureaucratic, or social—that strip them of their personal agency. Here, Kafka highlights how the family, often seen as a place of nurturing and love, can also function as a microcosm of the larger power structures that constrain the individual. The tyranny of the parent is not always overt; it can manifest in subtle forms of control that, over time, stifle the child’s development and sense of self. Kafka’s words imply that, by imposing their will, parents create an environment where children are coerced into becoming something other than what they might have been naturally, thereby replicating patterns of oppression rather than encouraging the child’s freedom.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with the idea that parenting—whether intentional or not—often involves a delicate balance between guiding children and allowing them the freedom to develop their own identities. The dynamics Kafka speaks of can be seen in the authoritarian styles of parenting that demand obedience and conformity without consideration for the child’s individuality. On the other hand, a lack of control can create a form of slavery where children are neglected or left to navigate life without the proper guidance. The gradations Kafka mentions refer to the subtlety of these methods: tyranny may not always look like oppression, and slavery may not always appear as neglect, but both are forms of control that prevent children from achieving true independence. In today’s world, where the pressures of academic achievement, social expectations, and parental influence are ever-present, Kafka’s quote serves as a reminder of the dangers of overbearing authority and the importance of respecting the child’s autonomy and freedom to grow into their own person, free from the burdens of selfish expectations.
