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Quote by Franz Kafka

“I'm afraid I'm not very well prepared for your birthday, have slept even worse than usual, head hot, eyes burned out, torturing temples, coughing as well. I'm afraid I couldn't recite a lengthy congratulation without coughing. Fortunately no congratulation is required, just thanks that you exist in this world, where at first sight, I wouldn't have suspected (you see, I don' have much knowledge of the world, either - except that, in contrast to you, I admit it) that you could be found. And I thank you for it (is this gratitude?) with a kiss precisely like the one on the railway station, although you didn't like it (today I'm rather obstinate).”

Quote by Franz Kafka

Work

Letters to Milena

This book is a compilation of letters that reveal a deep and personal relationship between two individuals amidst the backdrop of significant historical events. The correspondence offers a glimpse into the complexities of human emotions and the passage of time. more

Author

Franz Kafka
Franz Kafka

Franz Kafka (July 3, 1883 - June 3, 1924) was an important German-language novelist of the 20th century, known for his unique literary style and profound philosophical thoughts. His works, often themed around loneliness, alienation, and existentialism, have had a profound impact on literature and philosophy. more

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“What you wrote about the people, Milena - 'nemáte síly milovat' - 'who haven't got the strength to love' - was correct, even though while writing it down you didn't consider it correct. Perhaps their talent for love consists only in the ability to be loved. And even in this exists a qualifying distinction for these people. If one of them says to his beloved: 'I believe that you love me', then this is something completely different and much less than when he says: 'I'm loved by you'. These, of course, are not lovers but grammarians.”

“I write letters because I want to convey to someone the stories of these people, but also because I want to let someone know that a day had existed for me as well. Letters, in other words, are like journal entries to me. The only difference is that the day does not stay with me, but is sent to someone else. Journals are monopolized, but letters are shared. Journals are kept by one person alone, but letters are kept by two or more people.”