--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: ...That, however, was not what our…" description: "\"“...That, however, was not what our scholar was concerned to prove; for he maintained that the Great Wall alone would provide for the first time in the..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/da7/franz-kafka-214_books_that-however-was-not-what-our-scholar-wa_1814068.jpg" --- # ...That, however, was not what our scholar was concerned… ![“...That, however, was not what our scholar was concerned to prove; for he maintained that the Great Wall alone would provide for the first time in the history of mankind a secure foundation for a new Tower of Babel. First the wall, therefore, and then the tower. His book was in everybody's hands…” quote by Franz Kafka](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/da7/franz-kafka-214_books_that-however-was-not-what-our-scholar-wa_1814068.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/da7/franz-kafka-214_books_that-however-was-not-what-our-scholar-wa_1814068.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/da7/franz-kafka-214_books_that-however-was-not-what-our-scholar-wa_1814068.jpg) > ““...That, however, was not what our scholar was concerned to prove; for he maintained that the Great Wall alone would provide for the first time in the history of mankind a secure foundation for a new Tower of Babel. First the wall, therefore, and then the tower. His book was in everybody's hands at that time, but I admit that even today I cannot quite make out how he conceived this tower. How could the wall, which did not form even a circle, but only a sort of quarter- or half-circle, provide the foundation for a tower? That could obviously be meant only in a spiritual sense. But in that case why build the actual wall, which after all was something concrete, the result of the lifelong labor of multitudes of people? And why were there in the book plans, somewhat nebulous plans, it must be admitted, of the tower, and proposals worked out in detail for mobilizing the people's energies for the stupendous new work? There were many wild ideas in people's heads at that time -- this scholar's book is only one example -- perhaps simply because so many were trying to join forces as far as they could for the achievement of a single aim. Human nature, essentially changeable, unstable as the dust, can endure no restraint; if it binds itself it soon begins to tear madly at its bonds, until it rends everything asunder, the wall, the bonds, and its very self.”” [Franz Kafka](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/franz-kafka/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The passage critiques the paradox of building massive physical structures as symbols of spiritual unity, highlighting humanity’s restless drive to create grand projects that ultimately conflict with its volatile nature. **In simple terms:** Building walls for spiritual goals clashes with human instability. Key Takeaway Recognize the limits of imposing rigid structures on fluid human desires. Themes humanity ambition spirituality instability collective action Mood reflective critical philosophical Type analytical literary philosophical When to use this quote - urban planning - religious movements - political revolutions - large‑scale infrastructure projects Key Concepts symbolism paradox social engineering Questions to Reflect On - What drives societies to construct monumental symbols? - Can collective ambition be harmonized with human unpredictability? A Different Perspective The metaphor may over‑simplify complex socio‑political dynamics, ignoring practical necessities. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Babel Wall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/babel-wall-2139350/) [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) [Conceived Tower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conceived-tower-2139351/) [First time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/first-time/) [History](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/history/) [Human nature](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-nature/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Tower Babel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tower-babel-444493/) [Tower of babel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tower-of-babel/) [Tower Wall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tower-wall-2139352/) [Wall Did](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wall-did-2139353/) ## Related quotes > [If it had been possible to build the Tower of Babel without climbing it, it would have been permitted.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/franz-kafka/if-it-had-been-possible-to-build-the-tower-of-babel-without-climbing/) [Franz Kafka](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/franz-kafka/) > [How will the Tower of Babel be undone? 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His book was in everybody's hands at that time, but I admit that even today I cannot quite make out how he conceived this tower. How could the wall, which did not form even a circle, but only a sort of quarter- or half-circle, provide the foundation for a tower? That could obviously be meant only in a spiritual sense. But in that case why build the actual wall, which after all was something concrete, the result of the lifelong labor of multitudes of people? And why were there in the book plans, somewhat nebulous plans, it must be admitted, of the tower, and proposals worked out in detail for mobilizing the people's energies for the stupendous new work? There were many wild ideas in people's heads at that time -- this scholar's book is only one example -- perhaps simply because so many were trying to join forces as far as they could for the achievement of a single aim. 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