Abyss Quote by Franz Kafka
“People keep themselves at a tolerable height above an infernal abyss toward which they gravitate only by putting out all their strength and lovingly helping one another. They are tied together by ropes, and it's bad enough when the ropes around an individual loosen and he drops somewhat lower than the others into empty space; ghastly when the ropes break and he falls. That's why we should cling to the others.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Trial by Franz Kafka, 1925
Human beings rely on mutual support to avoid existential despair, and losing that support leads to isolation and danger.
In simple terms: We need each other to stay safe.
Key Takeaway
Value and protect your relationships.
Themes
interdependence
existential risk
community
vulnerability
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- workplace teams
- family dynamics
- friend groups
- online communities
Key Concepts
social contract
psychology
risk management
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you support those around you?
- What happens when communal bonds weaken?
A Different Perspective
If everyone focuses only on self‑preservation, collective safety collapses.
![“[Spiritual friendship] is eagerly helping one another know, serve, love, and resemble God in deeper and deeper ways.” quote by Timothy Keller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6e5/timothy-keller-240_deeper_spiritual-friendship-is-eagerly-helping_1617803.jpg)
![“Three helping one another, beare the burthen of sixe. [Three helping one another, bear the burden of six.]” quote by George Herbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b77/george-herbert-107_bears_three-helping-one-another-beare-the-burt_855443.jpg)
![“The tremendous world I have inside my head. But how [to] free myself and free it without being torn to pieces. And a thousand times [I'd] rather be torn to pieces than rather it in me or bury it. That, indeed, is why I am here, that is quite clear to me.” quote by Franz Kafka](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f19/franz-kafka-214_freedom_the-tremendous-world-i-have-inside-my-he_5848.jpg)
