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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

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.

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.