It is perfectly imaginable that the splendor of life is arranged, always in fullness, around each one, but covered with a veil, in the depths, invisible, far away. However, it is there, not hostile, not to disgust, not deaf, it comes if one calls it with the right word, by its correct name. It is the essence of magic, which does not believe, but calls.
Franz Kafka Diaries, 1910-1923
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In his diaries from 1910 to 1923, Franz Kafka reflects on the idea that life's true beauty and splendor may be hidden beneath a veil, often overlooked or unacknowledged. He suggests that this magnificence exists all around us, although it may not be immediately visible or accessible. Kafka's insight implies that there is a richness to existence that many may fail to recognize as they navigate their daily lives.

He emphasizes the importance of approaching this hidden essence with intention, suggesting that it requires the right words or recognition to unveil it. This notion captures the essence of magic in life; it is not merely about belief but about the act of calling forth the beauty that is inherent in existence. Kafka's exploration encourages a deeper awareness of the world, inviting readers to perceive and connect with the extraordinary that lies beneath the surface.

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Diaries, 1910-1923
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Franz Kafka
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Other quotes in Diaries, 1910-1923

For I underestimate myself, and that itself means an overestimation of others
Franz Kafka Diaries, 1910-1923
For I underestimate myself, and that itself means an overestimation of others
… my joints ache with fatigue, my dried up body trembles toward its own destruction in turmoils of which I dare not become fully conscious, in my head are astonishing convulsions.
Franz Kafka Diaries, 1910-1923
… my joints ache with fatigue, my dried up body trembles toward its own destruction in turmoils of which I dare not become fully conscious, in my head are astonishing convulsions.
A piece like a segment has been cut out of the back of his head. The sun looks in and the whole world with it. It makes him nervous, it distracts him from his work, and moreover it irritates him that he should be the very one excluded from the spectacle.
Franz Kafka Diaries, 1910-1923
A piece like a segment has been cut out of the back of his head. The sun looks in and the whole world with it. It makes him nervous, it distracts him from his work, and moreover it irritates him that he should be the very one excluded from the spectacle.
Peaceful moon. I consist only of bones.
Franz Kafka Diaries, 1910-1923
Peaceful moon. I consist only of bones.
The gesture of rejection with which I was forever met did not mean: 'I do not love you,' but: 'You cannot love me, much as you would like; you are unhappily in love with your love for me, but your love for me is not in love with you.' It is consequently incorrect to say that I have known the words, 'I love you'; I have known only the expectant stillness that should have been broken by my 'I love you,' that is all that I have known, nothing more.
Franz Kafka Diaries, 1910-1923
The gesture of rejection with which I was forever met did not mean: 'I do not love you,' but: 'You cannot love me, much as you would like; you are unhappily in love with your love for me, but your love for me is not in love with you.' It is consequently incorrect to say that I have known the words, 'I love you'; I have known only the expectant stillness that should have been broken by my 'I love you,' that is all that I have known, nothing more.
How many days have again gone silently by; today is 28 May. Have I not even the resolution to take this penholder, this piece of wood, in my hand every day? I really think I do not. I row, ride, swim, lie in the sun.
Franz Kafka Diaries, 1910-1923
How many days have again gone silently by; today is 28 May. Have I not even the resolution to take this penholder, this piece of wood, in my hand every day? I really think I do not. I row, ride, swim, lie in the sun.
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Relationships and marriages are hard enough, but you add war into the mix and small fissures become gaping wounds. No one sees what you're seeing - again that clear-eyed, unbiased thing - except your fellow soldiers. It's like one of those movies where only the hero can see the ghosts and everyone else thinks the hero is crazy.
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Relationships and marriages are hard enough, but you add war into the mix and small fissures become gaping wounds. No one sees what you're seeing - again that clear-eyed, unbiased thing - except your fellow soldiers. It's like one of those movies where only the hero can see the ghosts and everyone else thinks the hero is crazy.
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