In "The Nightmare of Reason: A Life of Franz Kafka," Ernst Pawel explores the intricate and often troubled psyche of Kafka. The book delves into Kafka's experiences and thoughts, revealing how his work continues to resonate with themes of existential dread and the struggle for authentic self-expression. Pawel examines how Kafka navigated societal expectations and personal desires, providing insights into the writer's creative process and life. The quote "Common consensus is not thought but wishful thinking" encapsulates Kafka's perspective on societal norms and collective beliefs. It suggests that many widely accepted ideas are not based on rational thought but rather on desires and illusions. This insight resonates throughout Kafka's writings, where he often critiques the absurdities of societal conventions and the disconnection between reality and individual perception.

In "The Nightmare of Reason: A Life of Franz Kafka," Ernst Pawel explores the intricate and often troubled psyche of Kafka. The book delves into Kafka's experiences and thoughts, revealing how his work continues to resonate with themes of existential dread and the struggle for authentic self-expression. Pawel examines how Kafka navigated societal expectations and personal desires, providing insights into the writer's creative process and life.

The quote "Common consensus is not thought but wishful thinking" encapsulates Kafka's perspective on societal norms and collective beliefs. It suggests that many widely accepted ideas are not based on rational thought but rather on desires and illusions. This insight resonates throughout Kafka's writings, where he often critiques the absurdities of societal conventions and the disconnection between reality and individual perception.