Franz Kafka emphasizes the profound emotional impact that literature should have on readers. He suggests that books should not just entertain but should challenge and provoke us, forcing us to confront deep and difficult emotions. Kafka believes that literature should awaken our consciousness in a way that feels jarring or even painful, similar to a traumatic experience. This perspective advocates for reading as a transformative experience rather than mere distraction.

According to Kafka, the most valuable books are those that resonate deeply with our personal struggles and vulnerabilities. He uses powerful imagery to describe literature as an "axe for the frozen sea inside us," suggesting that a truly effective book has the capacity to break through our emotional barriers and reveal our innermost feelings. Therefore, he calls for reading that elicits intense responses, urging us to seek out works that profoundly move us and compel us to reflect on our existence.