"How pathetically scanty my self-knowledge is compared with, say, my knowledge of my room. There is no such thing as observation of the inner world, as there is of the outer world"
- Franz Kafka
About this Quote
This quote by Franz Kafka talks to the trouble of understanding one's own inner world. He recommends that it is a lot easier to observe and comprehend the external world, such as his space, than it is to observe and understand the inner world. He suggests that his understanding of himself is minimal and insufficient in comparison to his understanding of his room. This quote highlights the problem of understanding one's own ideas, sensations, and inspirations. It suggests that the inner world is complicated and tough to observe and comprehend, and that it is a lot easier to observe and comprehend the real world around us. This quote talks to the trouble of self-reflection and self-knowledge, and the value of putting in the time to understand ourselves.
"A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect"