Franz Kafka expresses the overwhelming impact of negative experiences in his diaries from 1910 to 1923. He uses a vivid metaphor to illustrate how toxic influences can invade a person’s life, akin to how a drowning man is engulfed by water. This imagery captures the sense of helplessness and desperation that can accompany life's darker moments.
Through this quote, Kafka conveys a profound sense of struggle against an oppressive reality. It highlights the vulnerability individuals feel when faced with relentless adversity, exploring themes of existential despair and the inescapable nature of suffering. His reflections invite readers to consider the pervasive effects of such a "poisonous world" on the human psyche.