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About this quote

What does it mean?
Kafka rejects self-control as a goal, viewing it as an attempt to be effective at a random point in the infinite scope of spiritual existence.
In plain terms
He does not strive for self-control because it limits infinite spiritual life.
What can you take from it?
Limiting focus to specific points ignores the infinite nature of existence.

Where it applies

  • spiritual practice
  • personal discipline
  • philosophy

Putting it to work

  • embrace breadth
  • avoid fixation
  • accept limits

Questions to consider

  • Is self-control a limit or a help?
  • What does spiritual existence mean to you?

Another view

Self-control is often necessary for practical life.

More from Franz Kafka

  1. In a certain sense the Good is comfortless.

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  2. Martyrs do not underrate the body, they allow it to be elevated on the cross. In this they are at one with their antagonists.

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  3. The ulterior motives with which you absorb and assimilate Evil are not your own but those of Evil. The animal wrests the whip from its master and whips itself …

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