Josef K. is under arrest, and he doesn’t know why. He works at a bank; he’s a CFO. He is helpless in defending himself and figuring out the bureaucratic system. He is advised by a relative, a lawyer, a painter, and others. His path is unclear and absurd. Reading the book to its completion leads to more questions than answers. Some messages, themes, and concepts I wondered about while and after reading include:
Conventional wisdom doesn’t give you a way out of the game of life.
Darkness is the reality for some people
Is it a sign of youth to care about one’s image?
Is original sin part of the human dilemma?
Institutions designed to keep us on track often lead us astray.
Are we all standing at our own doors and not letting ourselves in?
Beware of mindless compliance.
You’re probably getting in your own way.
Life is the trial
What does it feel like to be on trial for moral turpitude
Who are the conduits for meeting the influential people you need to further your life’s goals?
There are so many contradictions in life
Are all bureaucratic organizations corrupt?
There are gatekeepers at different levels of authority.
Are we all caught up in the maze of life?
