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About this quote

What does it mean?
Destructive forces can become so routine that they turn into accepted tradition.
In plain terms
Bad things happening repeatedly become normal part of the ritual.
What can you take from it?
Routine can mask destruction.

Where it applies

  • corporate culture
  • religious practice
  • political systems

Putting it to work

  • audit traditions
  • question norms
  • spot toxicity

Questions to consider

  • What harms have you normalized?
  • Is tradition always good?

Another view

Not all repetition is destructive.

More from Franz Kafka

  1. If it had been possible to build the Tower of Babel without climbing it, it would have been permitted.

    Permalink to quote #14
  2. From the true antagonist illimitable courage is transmitted to you.

    Permalink to quote #16
  3. A cage went in search of a bird.

    Permalink to quote #13

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