“My peers, lately, have found companionship through means of intoxication— it makes them sociable I, however, cannot force myself to use drugs to cheat on my loneliness— it is all that I have— and when the drugs and alcohol dissipate, will be all that my peers have as well”
— Franz Kafka
Simplified Meaning:
Some people try to deal with their loneliness by drinking alcohol or taking drugs because it helps them feel more social and connected with others. They use these substances to mask their feelings and avoid facing their loneliness head-on. However, there's another way to deal with loneliness, which is not relying on these substances. The speaker believes that loneliness is something they have to cope with personally and doesn't want to use drugs as a shortcut. They think that while substances might provide temporary relief, the loneliness will still be there when the effects wear off. Imagine a person who spends their weekends going to parties and getting drunk to feel like they have friends. While they may feel less lonely during the party, once it's over and the alcohol wears off, they're back to feeling isolated. Instead, someone might try finding deeper connections through hobbies or joining clubs, where they can meet people who share similar interests. This way, they build real relationships without relying on substances, providing more lasting companionship.