In his diaries from 1910 to 1923, Franz Kafka reflects on his experiences and thoughts, revealing his complex emotions toward various aspects of life. One striking observation is his description of passing a brothel. Kafka conveys a sense of nostalgia or affection, likening the brothel to the house of someone dear, suggesting a deeper connection to the place beyond its surface function.

This quote encapsulates Kafka's intricate relationship with desire, intimacy, and societal norms. It reveals his tendency to humanize spaces traditionally seen as taboo, inviting contemplation of how one's feelings toward a place can evoke past memories or emotions, blending love and longing with the mundane realities of life.