"My peers, lately, have found companionship through means of intoxication - it makes them sociable. I, however, cannot force myself to use drugs to cheat on my loneliness - it is all that I have - and when the drugs and alcohol dissipate, will be all that my peers have as well"
- Franz Kafka
About this Quote
In this quote, Kafka is revealing his observations about his peers and their habits. He keeps in mind that they have turned to intoxication as a method of discovering friendship and ending up being more sociable. However, Kafka himself can not bring himself to do the same. He sees his isolation as something that is distinct to him and he refuses to use drugs or alcohol to leave it. He acknowledges that while his peers might find short-lived relief through these substances, in the end, they will still be entrusted to their loneliness. Kafka's rejection to comply with this behavior highlights his strong sense of self and his objection to compromise his values.
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