Franz Kafka Believed Living a Happy, Successful Life Comes Down to 5 Simple Things
Moderation is something both the poor and the rich can agree on — a choice for one and a need for one.
For those of you who don’t know, Franz Kafka was a German-language writer of visionary fiction.
Well, Kafka had a gift from the start. Blame it on lack of money during the 19th Century Austro-Hungarian Empire, but his parents never paid attention to his creativity. Though his parents fell under the middle-class society, all they could think about was making more money, neglecting the precious asset they had in their house.
Later in his life, Kafka’s sense of impotence and self-doubt disturbed him. Adding to his distress, he had no one to confide in about these feelings, as his parents were no longer alive. Kafka had no choice left but to find happiness and success on his own.
Below are 5 things Kafka talks about (from his experience) that he practiced to live a healthy, successful life.
1. If we no longer have a role to fulfill, we become an outcast
Kafka wrote a novella, “Metamorphosis” in 1915 at the age of 32.
The novella talks about the story of Gregor Samsa, a salesman who wakes up in the morning to find himself transformed into a gigantic insect. As Gregor struggles to adapt to his new form, this family’s reaction and his own isolation reveal the true colors of life.
Gregor started his salesman career after his father went bankrupt, and he was now the only bread earner for his family. As he is good for nothing now, Gregor feels unimportant and ignored by the family.
That’s the truth of life. When you provide nourishment for your loved ones, they hold you in high regard. However, if you fail to do so, you may find yourself completely isolated.
Not everyone is like that. But a huge part of the world still favors people who are good at doing what they do.
The lesson? Identify your strengths. I am a writer and know what to bring to the table. Improve your mastery because it’s the only thing you know about in-depth, and have the courage to explore more.
2. Tell the truth
Kafka not only practiced truth himself but also included this aspect in his stories.
Here are instances when Kafka chose to speak the truth:
- In his diary entries
- In these literary works: novels, short stories, etc
- With his family members
The truth may be uncomfortable, but telling them ensures you are not the only person suffering from it. Kafka was never afraid to be alone, so he never cared about the consequences.
When it comes to us, we often choose to remain silent or tell white lies to avoid hurting those close to us, as the consequences can be them leaving us for good. But there are instances when you need to be open about how you feel.
Share your emotions, desires, and your insecurities. As it’s the only way you will ever know to solve them.
Something must be spoken in order to heal from them. Speaking the truth about your insecurities and doubts is one of them.
3. Set aside quiet time
Kafka practiced some important routines in his daily life:
- Early morning writing from 5 to 6 am
- Appreciating the beauty of nature
- Escaping room to study
As we mature, our preferences change, and we begin to value tranquility over the excitement of loud music and carefree wandering. Why? It lets you think clearly.
When you are in your golden years, you have so much experience from life that setting aside and thinking helps you connect those dots. These moments help you find closure as well.
Spending time alone helps you understand and digest everything. There are so many things going on in your mental closet, and it’s important you pick each memory and hang them in the right space — making them organized. Kafka practiced this daily.
So when you see his writing, even after a hundred years, you don’t see a frustrated writer, but a writer who knew his way around the words — a writer who was gifted.
P.S. The one who is a reader is never afraid to be alone.
Beautiful things happen when you appreciate quietness.
4. Live your life before you die
- You begin with a one-time entry pass.
Now it’s your choice to enjoy the ride of life either or cry about how you didn’t wanna be here. The choice is yours.
As Kafka believed: “He is terribly afraid of dying because he hasn’t yet lived.”
At one point in your life, you will regret the wasted years, thinking you must have done something good at that time. This regret comes around to everyone.
Don’t let that regret disturb you because you are still in the prime ages of your life. If you have lost some years? Good. You still have halfway to go. Make use of your time now.
Because, you know what, you don’t want to be on your deathbed thinking about what if, what if you could enjoy more with your friends or perhaps wrote a book you suddenly had an idea about for the sake of giving dashing book signatures?
It’s not too late now. You will know when it is — just not know.
5. Not having everything is a blessing
- Kafka lived a modest life.
He was more focused on intellectual and creative pursuits rather than material status. He knew that a person who is materialistic is a person who isn’t intellectual — it’s either of them.
That’s why Kafka lived in a small apartment throughout his life and lived on basic necessities.
Living on your means and making ends meet is a good thing. As Kafka said:
“Better to have and not need than to need and not have.”
When you think about it, you may have thousands of wish lists and things to buy when you think you will be rich. But let me tell you, if you’re rich, things don’t matter.
Rich people don’t want to crowd their homes as they have the money — if required, they buy everything on the spot as everything is at their disposal. Rich people are moving more and more to a minimalistic life.
Moderation is something both the poor and the rich can agree on - a choice for one and need for one.
Final thoughts:
Kafka’s life is a testament that despite facing challenges, you can still make the most out of your life.
Franz Kafka, despite facing unsupportive family circumstances, is credited with authoring 45 short stories and numerous books and plays. Guess Kafka practiced what he actually believed:
“Do not waste your time looking for an obstacle — maybe there is none.”
References:
https://www.goalcast.com/15-franz-kafka-quotes
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