"We are separated from God on two sides; the Fall separates us from Him, the Tree of Life separates Him from us"
- Franz Kafka
About this Quote
In this quote, Kafka is highlighting the concept of separation between people and God. He suggests that there are 2 sides to this separation - one caused by the Fall, and the other by the Tree of Life. The Fall refers to the scriptural story of Adam and Eve's disobedience, which led to their expulsion from the Garden of Eden and separation from God. The Tree of Life, on the other hand, signifies the divine and immortality that is unattainable for people. Kafka's words communicate a sense of yearning and distance in between people and God, highlighting the fundamental constraints and barriers that exist in this relationship.
"Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage"