---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Utterance does not in principle mean a…"
description: "\"Utterance does not in principle mean a weakening of conviction--that would not be anything to be deplored--but a weakness of conviction.\" — Franz Kafka"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/01a/franz-kafka-214_conviction_utterance-does-not-in-principle-mean-a-w_1562713.jpg"
---

#  Utterance does not in principle mean a weakening of…

![“Utterance does not in principle mean a weakening of conviction--that would not be anything to be deplored--but a weakness of conviction.” quote by Franz Kafka](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/01a/franz-kafka-214_conviction_utterance-does-not-in-principle-mean-a-w_1562713.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/01a/franz-kafka-214_conviction_utterance-does-not-in-principle-mean-a-w_1562713.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/01a/franz-kafka-214_conviction_utterance-does-not-in-principle-mean-a-w_1562713.jpg)

> “Utterance does not in principle mean a weakening of conviction--that would not be anything to be deplored--but a weakness of conviction.”

[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.

A statement that expressing a view does not necessarily reduce confidence; rather, it may reveal a lack of firm belief.

**In simple terms:** Saying something isn’t always a sign of doubt.

Key Takeaway

Distinguish between expressing and truly believing.

Themes

communication confidence belief

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

reflective philosophical

When to use this quote

- debates
- public speaking
- personal reflection
- writing
- teaching

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology rhetoric

Questions to Reflect On

- Do you equate speech with belief?
- How can you test the strength of your convictions?

A Different Perspective

It can be hard to tell if the speaker truly believes the utterance.

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