Two possibilities: making oneself infinitely small or being so. The second is perfection, that is to say, inactivity, the first is beginning, that is to say, action.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Kafka compares being infinitely small (perfection/inactivity) vs. making oneself small (beginning/action).
- In plain terms
- Being small is perfection but doing nothing; making yourself small is starting something.
- What can you take from it?
- Perfection stops action; action requires change.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is perfection action?
- How do you begin?
Another view
The distinction between being and making oneself small is subtle and abstract.
More from Franz Kafka
A belief is like a guillotine, just as heavy, just as light.
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