"Always first draw fresh breath after outbursts of vanity and complacency"

In this quote, Kafka is reminding us to take an action back and assess our actions and behaviors. He suggests that after minutes of pride and self-satisfaction, we ought to pause and take a deep breath to regain viewpoint. This is essential due to the fact that vanity and complacency can blind us from seeing our defects and errors. By taking a moment to breathe, we can acquire clarity and humility, allowing us to grow and improve. It is a suggestion to not let our egos manage us and to constantly strive for self-awareness and self-improvement. Ultimately, this quote serves as a suggestion to stay modest and grounded in the face of our own vanity and complacency.