Kafka's Battle with Tuberculosis

Franz Kafka was diagnosed with tuberculosis, a chronic illness that would significantly impact his life and work. Following his diagnosis, he relocated to the village of Zürau in Bohemia, where he spent several months in a more tranquil environment. This period was marked by a sense of comfort and relief from the pressures of his daily life, as he lived with his sister Ottla, who was working on a nearby farm. Kafka later reflected on this time as one of the best in his life, likely due to the absence of responsibilities that had previously weighed on him. During his stay in Zürau, he engaged in writing, keeping diaries and notes that would later contribute to his literary legacy. Kafka's writings during this period included the creation of 109 numbered pieces of text, which he compiled into a collection known as 'Die Zürauer Aphorismen oder Betrachtungen über Sünde, Hoffnung, Leid und den wahren Weg' (The Zürau Aphorisms or Reflections on Sin, Hope, Suffering, and the True Way). This work reflects his introspective thoughts on existential themes, showcasing his ability to articulate complex ideas even while grappling with his illness. The impact of tuberculosis on Kafka's life was profound, influencing not only his physical health but also his creative output, as he continued to explore deep philosophical questions through his writing, even in the face of personal suffering.