Franz Kafka's quote from "The Zürau Aphorisms" reflects on the nature of evil and its influence on human perception. Once an individual internalizes the concept of evil, it reshapes their worldview and no longer requires their conscious belief in it. This suggests that evil can become an ingrained part of one's identity or understanding of the world, without the need for active acknowledgment or acceptance. The idea points to the pervasive impact of negative experiences or thoughts on a person's psyche.

Kafka's insight implies that evil does not need to be actively feasted upon; instead, it can linger quietly within a person, influencing their thoughts and actions subtly. This internalization may create a resigned acceptance of negativity and despair, highlighting the profound psychological complexity that arises from grappling with such existential themes. In essence, evil, once recognized, transmutes into a constant shadow, affecting one's life in ways that are often unrecognized yet deeply felt.