# Quote — Franz Kafka, The Trial

> They're talking about things of which they don't have the slightest understanding, anyway. It's only because of their stupidity that they're able to be so sure of themselves.

- Author: [Franz Kafka](https://www.leafyquotes.com/franz-kafka.md)
- Book: [The Trial](https://www.leafyquotes.com/franz-kafka/the-trial.md)
- Source: [Wikiquote](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Franz_Kafka#The_Trial_(1920)) ([CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/))
- Quote page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/franz-kafka/the-trial/theyre-talking-about

## More from this book

> "Like a dog!" he said, it was as if the shame of it should outlive him.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/franz-kafka/the-trial/like-a-dog.md)

> Logic may indeed be unshakeable, but it cannot withstand a man who is determined to live. Where was the judge he had never seen? Where was the High Court he had never reached? He raised his hands and spread out all his fingers. But the hands of one of the men closed round his throat, just as the other drove the knife deep into his heart and turned it twice.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/franz-kafka/the-trial/logic-may-indeed.md)

> This question of yours, Sir, about my being a house painter — or rather, not a question, you simply made a statement — is typical of the whole character of this trial that is being foisted on me. You may object that it is not a trial at all; you are quite right, for it is only a trial if I recognize it as such. But for the moment I do recognize it, on grounds of compassion, as it were. One can't regard it except with compassion, if one is to regard it at all. I do not say that your procedure is contemptible, but I should like to present that epithet to you for your private consumption.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/franz-kafka/the-trial/this-question-of-yours.md)