It is only our conception of time that makes us call the Last Judgement by this name. It is, in fact, a kind of martial law.
Franz Kafka

Let me remind you of the old maxim: people under suspicion are better moving than at rest, since at rest they may be sitting in the balance without knowing it, being weighed together with their sins.
Franz Kafka

Martyrs do not underrate the body, they allow it to be elevated on the cross. In this they are at one with their antagonists.
Franz Kafka

May I kiss you then? On this miserable paper? I might as well open the window and kiss the night air.
Franz Kafka

My "fear" is my substance, and probably the best part of me.
Franz Kafka

My guiding principle is this: Guilt is never to be doubted.
Franz Kafka

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

No sooner said than done - so acts your man of worth.
Franz Kafka

Not everyone can see the truth, but he can be it.
Franz Kafka

One advantage in keeping a diary is that you become aware with reassuring clarity of the changes which you constantly suffer.
Franz Kafka

One must not cheat anyone, not even the world of its victory.
Franz Kafka

One of the first signs of the beginning of understanding is the wish to die.
Franz Kafka

One tells as few lies as possible only by telling as few lies as possible, and not by having the least possible opportunity to do so.
Franz Kafka

Productivity is being able to do things that you were never able to do before.
Franz Kafka

Religions get lost as people do.
Franz Kafka

Self-control means wanting to be effective at some random point in the infinite radiations of my spiritual existence.
Franz Kafka

Sensual love deceives one as to the nature of heavenly love; it could not do so alone, but since it unconsciously has the element of heavenly love within it, it can do so.
Franz Kafka

So long as you have food in your mouth, you have solved all questions for the time being.
Franz Kafka

Start with what is right rather than what is acceptable.
Franz Kafka

Suffering is the positive element in this world, indeed it is the only link between this world and the positive.
Franz Kafka