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I really abhor remarks like this one, suggesting that there are things people "should" or "shouldn't" read. As another commenter remarked, it's pretentious. Wh

I really abhor remarks like this one, suggesting that there are things people "should" or "shouldn't" read. As another commenter remarked, it's pretentious. What's more, it's deceptive, because it sounds sage and insightful and worth pondering, particularly because it's well-worded and comes from a famous author, but in point of fact it's just another guy saying "Read what I deem to be of quality, not what you enjoy reading." His own skill as an author does not change that. There's something of value to be found in most written works, one way or another, and they all have different purposes.

mikestew 10y ago
As another commenter remarked, it's pretentious. What's pretentious is taking such strong issue with a statement that starts with "I think we ought...". I think you ought to get over yourself, as Kafka was expressing an opinion, one with which you're free to disagree. Argue your dissent, even if it's just "Kafka? Yeah, fuck that guy.", but stamping your foot because you perceived it as some dead guy telling you what to do is just silly, IMO. As to the topic at hand, I like me some entertainment fiction on occasion, but I'll never make the claim that Stephen King's latest changed my life.
Gargoyle 10y ago
"His own skill as an author does not change that." Would you say the same thing about an excellent coder recommending elegant code they didn't write?
- aerovistae 10y ago
  There is a difference between a coder recommending certain code they find elegant, and a coder saying "you should not read code that is not written with this design pattern, as it is a waste of yours or anybody's time, because it is not how I write code."
maldusiecle 10y ago
Kafka trained as a lawyer, he didn't literally believe that no one should read any book that doesn't create an intense emotional impact. He was a fiction-writer, and he was arguing for a particular model of what fiction can do, which his works certainly embody. Those who interpret words in such a narrow and literalistic way, though, would probably be best off skipping his works.
- aerovistae 10y ago
  Thanks for the advice! I'll make sure to skip having already read and enjoyed three of his books. Notice I didn't pronounce a judgement on Kafka: I pronounced a judgement on the quote's implied meaning when presented in isolation as it was.
  - maldusiecle 10y ago
    Ah, my mistake. I haven't read Kafka's letters, so I'm not sure what context they offer that changes the meaning of this quote. What am I missing?
    - aerovistae 10y ago
      Well that's just it, me either! Nor could I expeditiously find a copy of the letter in question. So I wouldn't presume to know his full meaning. But when you see the quote alone like this, the takeaway is straightforward enough, regardless of the author's original intent, and it's the appropriated implication which I do not agree with. But frankly I would not be surprised if he did mean it literally and exactly. After all, it does seem to be in line with Kafka's work, doesn't it? Avoid happiness, court misery and grief? That could be a tagline to a Kafka biopic. But it's just his opinion. Some people like happy endings. And to imply that a feel-good story isn't worth reading is the true narrow opinion. As though Pixar's films were not sufficiently profound for lack of tragedy. Good god, imagine if Kafka was the creative director at Pixar! "Finding Nemo" would be an endless and fruitless search probably resulting in the father descending to madness and wondering if he ever had a son at all.

mikestew 10y ago

As another commenter remarked, it's pretentious. What's pretentious is taking such strong issue with a statement that starts with "I think we ought...". I think you ought to get over yourself, as Kafka was expressing an opinion, one with which you're free to disagree. Argue your dissent, even if it's just "Kafka? Yeah, fuck that guy.", but stamping your foot because you perceived it as some dead guy telling you what to do is just silly, IMO. As to the topic at hand, I like me some entertainment fiction on occasion, but I'll never make the claim that Stephen King's latest changed my life.

Gargoyle 10y ago

"His own skill as an author does not change that." Would you say the same thing about an excellent coder recommending elegant code they didn't write?

aerovistae 10y ago
There is a difference between a coder recommending certain code they find elegant, and a coder saying "you should not read code that is not written with this design pattern, as it is a waste of yours or anybody's time, because it is not how I write code."

maldusiecle 10y ago

Kafka trained as a lawyer, he didn't literally believe that no one should read any book that doesn't create an intense emotional impact. He was a fiction-writer, and he was arguing for a particular model of what fiction can do, which his works certainly embody. Those who interpret words in such a narrow and literalistic way, though, would probably be best off skipping his works.

aerovistae 10y ago
Thanks for the advice! I'll make sure to skip having already read and enjoyed three of his books. Notice I didn't pronounce a judgement on Kafka: I pronounced a judgement on the quote's implied meaning when presented in isolation as it was.
- maldusiecle 10y ago
  Ah, my mistake. I haven't read Kafka's letters, so I'm not sure what context they offer that changes the meaning of this quote. What am I missing?
  - aerovistae 10y ago
    Well that's just it, me either! Nor could I expeditiously find a copy of the letter in question. So I wouldn't presume to know his full meaning. But when you see the quote alone like this, the takeaway is straightforward enough, regardless of the author's original intent, and it's the appropriated implication which I do not agree with. But frankly I would not be surprised if he did mean it literally and exactly. After all, it does seem to be in line with Kafka's work, doesn't it? Avoid happiness, court misery and grief? That could be a tagline to a Kafka biopic. But it's just his opinion. Some people like happy endings. And to imply that a feel-good story isn't worth reading is the true narrow opinion. As though Pixar's films were not sufficiently profound for lack of tragedy. Good god, imagine if Kafka was the creative director at Pixar! "Finding Nemo" would be an endless and fruitless search probably resulting in the father descending to madness and wondering if he ever had a son at all.