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Big break Quote by Franz Kafka

“He slid back again into his earlier position. "This getting up early," he thought, "makes a man quite idiotic. A man must have his sleep. Other travelling salesmen live like harem women. For instance, when I come back to the inn during the course of the morning to write up the necessary orders…” quote by Franz Kafka
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““He slid back again into his earlier position. "This getting up early," he thought, "makes a man quite idiotic. A man must have his sleep. Other travelling salesmen live like harem women. For instance, when I come back to the inn during the course of the morning to write up the necessary orders, these gentlemen are just sitting down to breakfast. If I were to try that with my boss, I'd be thrown out on the spot. Still, who knows whether that mightn't be really good for me? If I didn't hold back for my parents' sake, I'd have quit ages ago. I would've gone to the boss and told him just what I think from the bottom of my heart. He would've fallen right off his desk! How weird it is to sit up at that desk and talk down to the employee from way up there. The boss has trouble hearing, so the employee has to step up quite close to him. Anyway, I haven't completely given up that hope yet. Once I've got together the money to pay off my parents' debt to him—that should take another five or six years—I'll do it for sure. Then I'll make the big break. In any case, right now I have to get up. My train leaves at five o'clock””

Franz Kafka

About This Quote

Source Short Story: The Early Riser, 1920

The narrator struggles with early mornings, feeling foolish, yet hopes to repay debts and achieve a breakthrough, despite societal pressures.

In simple terms: Early mornings feel hard but may lead to success.

Key Takeaway

Embrace discipline despite discomfort.

Themes

work society ambition sleep

Mood

melancholic determined

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • corporate jobs
  • student life
  • family obligations

Key Concepts

Existential dread social hierarchy personal sacrifice

Questions to Reflect On

  • What motivates you to wake early?
  • Can you find healthier routines?
A Different Perspective

Early rising may harm health if unsustainable.

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