Business Quote by Franz Kafka
““He had always believed that his father had not been able to save a penny from the business, at least his father had never told him anything to the contrary, and Gregor, for his part, had never asked him any questions. In those days Gregor's sole concern had been to do everything in his power to make the family forget as quickly as possible the business disaster which had plunged everyone into a state of total despair. And so he had begun to work with special ardor and had risen almost overnight from stock clerk to traveling salesman, which of course had opened up very different money-making possibilities, and in no time his successes on the job were transformed, by means of commissions, into hard cash that could be plunked down on the table at home in front of his astonished and delighted family. Those had been the wonderful times, and they had never returned, at least not with the same glory, although later on Gregor earned enough money to meet the expenses of the entire family and actually did so. They had just gotten used to it, the family as well as Gregor, the money was received with thanks and given with pleasure, but no special feeling of warmth went with it any more. ””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Metamorphosis, 1915, Austria-Hungary
Gregor’s sudden wealth brings temporary relief but ultimately empties familial bonds, highlighting the hollowness of material success.
In simple terms: Money cannot replace genuine emotional warmth.
Seek fulfillment beyond material gain.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- inheritance disputes
- financial windfalls
- family reunions
- entrepreneurial ventures
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can wealth ever restore lost intimacy?
- What values sustain families beyond money?
Material gain may mask deeper relational voids.