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"Una creencia es como una guillotina igual de pesada igual de ligera"

Franz Kafka
Franz Kafka Author
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Quote meaning
Beliefs can be incredibly powerful—sometimes they're heavy, like a guillotine, cutting down any doubts or opposing ideas. Other times, they're light, almost weightless, floating around without much impact until they come crashing down. You know, they're a bit like carrying around a huge backpack. When you're sure about something, it feels solid and undeniable. When you're not, it’s just a bunch of loosely packed thoughts.

This idea has been floating around for a while. Imagine the French Revolution, the guillotine was a dramatic declaration of judgment. It was definite and unyielding, kind of like how some beliefs are. When someone believes something strongly, it can seem immovable—like it’s the ultimate truth. But beliefs can also be flimsy, changing with new experiences or information.

Think about Rachel, a friend of mine. She always believed she was terrible at math. This belief was so solid that it shaped her entire academic journey. She avoided math classes, didn't pursue certain jobs, all because of this one heavy belief. It wasn't until a college professor saw potential in her that she began to question it. With some encouragement and work, she realized it wasn’t about being bad at math, but about not having the right support. Her belief, once so heavy, became lighter and less restricting. It was like she finally took off that heavy backpack.

So how can you apply this? First, recognize that beliefs aren’t set in stone. They can change. Question them—where did they come from? Are they still serving you well? If not, it might be time to lighten that load. Second, surround yourself with people who challenge your beliefs in a positive way. You don’t want yes-men; you want folks who push you to see different perspectives.

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop, talking with a friend about a job you're considering. You believe you’re not good enough for it. Your friend, sipping their latte, starts questioning you—Why do you think that? What about your past successes? Suddenly, you see it’s not about your ability but about your fear of stepping out of your comfort zone. That belief, once a heavy guillotine, just got lighter.

Beliefs shape so much of our lives, often without us even realizing it. They can be the lenses through which we see the world—for better or worse. Sometimes, it’s worth examining these beliefs, giving them a good shake to see if they still hold up. And sometimes, you just need a friend with a coffee and a different perspective to help you do it.
Related tags
Belief Conviction Judgment Metaphor Mindset Perception Perspective Philosophy Thinking Weight
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