In this quote from Franz Kafka's "Diaries, 1910-1923," the author expresses the deep conflict he feels between his work and his true passion for literature. He perceives his job as unbearable, seeing it as an obstacle to fulfilling his calling as a writer. Kafka identifies literature as the essence of his being, indicating that he cannot truly engage with any other pursuit.

Kafka's words highlight a profound struggle where he fears that his job might not only fail to inspire him but could also lead to his personal downfall. This illustrates the tension between the demands of daily life and the pursuit of one’s artistic aspirations, revealing how such conflicts can be emotionally damaging to a creative individual passionate about their craft.