The quote highlights the distinction between believing in progress and acknowledging progress that has already taken place. It suggests that true belief in progress is about having faith in future advancements and improvements rather than simply recognizing what has been achieved in the past.
In essence, Kafka emphasizes that believing in the potential for ongoing development requires a certain mindset and optimism. This perspective encourages individuals to maintain hope and strive for future changes rather than resting on their laurels from previous successes.