Get Started
Home Authors Tags

"We are drawn to the closed doors"

Franz Kafka
Franz Kafka Author
Translations
🇺🇸 English 🇨🇳 中文 🇪🇸 Español 🇪🇬 العربية 🇫🇷 Français 🇮🇷 فارسی 🇯🇵 日本語
Quote meaning
Humans have a natural curiosity about the unknown. When something is off-limits or unexplored, it piques our interest. We can't help but wonder what's behind that closed door, both literally and metaphorically.

This idea is as old as time itself, deeply ingrained in our psyche. Think about the story of Pandora's box from Greek mythology. Pandora was given a box (or jar) and told not to open it. But her curiosity got the better of her, and she ended up unleashing all the evils of the world. Or consider the ‘forbidden fruit’ in the Garden of Eden. These stories highlight that we’re not just passive observers—we’re active seekers of hidden truths, even at our own peril sometimes.

Let's bring this to a modern-day scenario. Picture this: You’re at work and your boss closes the door for a meeting with higher-ups. You can’t hear what’s being said, but you notice the hush that falls over the office. Suddenly, your mind races with possibilities. Are they discussing layoffs? New projects? This scenario illustrates how a closed door—literally or metaphorically—can consume our thoughts and attention.

Now, let’s think about how one might use this tendency positively. Say you’re an entrepreneur trying to attract customers. You could create an air of mystery about your new product. Give them just enough information to intrigue them, but not so much that they lose interest. People will naturally want to know more, and they'll keep coming back to see what else you reveal.

Or, consider your personal life. If you’re dating, don’t lay all your cards on the table at once. Keep some aspects of yourself a bit mysterious. Not in a deceptive way, but in a way that leaves people wanting more—wanting to learn more about you, spend more time with you.

Imagine a scenario from the world of film. Remember the movie “The Matrix”? Neo is offered a choice between a red pill and a blue pill. The red pill represents the unknown—the closed door. The blue pill, on the other hand, allows him to remain in his familiar, albeit mundane, reality. Neo’s choice to take the red pill propels him into an entirely new world of possibilities and challenges. This illustrates how embracing the unknown, rather than shying away from it, can lead to transformative experiences.

So, how do you apply this in everyday life? Start by embracing the unknown. When you encounter a closed door—whether it’s a new job opportunity, a hobby you've never tried, or even a person you don’t yet know well—take a step towards it. Ask questions. Be curious. You might find that what’s behind that door is exactly what you need.

In a nutshell, our attraction to closed doors can lead us to new opportunities and adventures. So next time you find yourself drawn to something mysterious, don't be afraid to explore. Open that door and see what’s on the other side.
Related tags
Adventure Boundaries Curiosity Desire Human nature Limits Mystery Opportunity Secrets Unknown
MORE QUOTES BY Franz Kafka
FEATURED QUOTES
Surprise me with another quote
Instagram Icon Facebook Icon X Icon Threads Icon