If what was supposed to have been destroyed in Paradise was destructible, then it was not decisive; but if it was indestructible, then we are living in a false belief.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Kafka questions the nature of Paradise: if it could be destroyed, it was weak; if not, our belief in the loss is false.
- In plain terms
- If paradise could be destroyed it wasn't strong, but if it couldn't we are believing a lie.
- What can you take from it?
- Loss implies either weakness or illusion.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Was paradise lost?
- Is loss real?
Another view
The logic relies on binary thinking that ignores other possibilities.
More from Franz Kafka
The indestructible is one: it is each individual human being and, at the same time, it is common to all, hence the incomparably indivisible union that exists b…
Permalink to quote #39 Test yourself on mankind. It is something that makes the doubter doubt, the believer believe.
Permalink to quote #41 Theoretically there is a perfect possibility of happiness: believing in the indestructible element in oneself and not striving towards it.
Permalink to quote #38
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