Franz Kafka and his lifelong struggle with tuberculosis

Throughout his life, Franz Kafka, one of the most valuable writers of the 20 th century, was dogged by fears of insufficiency. Based on his own view, these fears were substantiated by terrible headaches, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and exhaustion. He strongly believed in the healing powers of nature and sought refuge in walks, excursions, country holidays, and plenty of fresh air.

As time passed, his fears assumed the form of serious illness in mid-August 1917. In the middle of the night, he was woken up by an episode of pulmonary hemorrhage. This was the first manifestation of his tuberculosis, which he then fought for almost 7 years. This illness, still without remedy at that time, meant a great change in Kafka’s daily life.

Tuberculosis forced the great writer to stay away from Prague and spend his days at guesthouses and sanatoria. His request for early retirement on account of his poor health was repeatedly refused. On account of his excellent civil service record, Franz Kafka was considered an indispensable staff member of the insurance institute he worked with. During a period of sick leave, he was even given a promotion.

His illness was the primary reason he broke off his engagement with Felice Bauer. In his own view, tuberculosis was more than a simple physical condition. He incorporated the phenomenon of illness into his life’s struggle. For Kafka, illness was, in fact, the consequence of his inner battle between good and evil, in which the evil prevailed.