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About this quote

What does it mean?
Kafka suggests that while the current generation may be lost, it bears less moral blame than its predecessors.
In plain terms
Our generation might be lost but it is less guilty than earlier ones.
What can you take from it?
Moral failings can vary across generations even if all face uncertainty.

Where it applies

  • self assessment
  • critique of society

Putting it to work

  • avoid blanket condemnation of peers

Questions to consider

  • Are younger generations less responsible?
  • How do we judge past eras?

Another view

The claim of blamelessness is subjective and hard to verify.

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