Franz Kafka reflects on the idea that while individuals have the ability to withdraw from the pains of life, this option may come with its own set of challenges. The ability to retreat from worldly suffering aligns with human nature, suggesting that we possess an innate desire to escape distress. Yet, this very act of withdrawal might be the only form of suffering that one can truly evade.
This notion implies that isolation or detachment could be a double-edged sword. While it offers a respite from external troubles, it may also lead to internal conflicts or a sense of lack. Kafka's aphorism highlights the complexity of suffering and the choices individuals must navigate in their quest for peace.