“My peers, lately, have found companionship through means of intoxication— it makes them sociable I, however, cannot force myself to use drugs to cheat on my loneliness— it is all that I have— and when the drugs and alcohol dissipate, will be all that my peers have as well”
— Franz Kafka
Simplified Meaning:
The quote is about how some people use alcohol or drugs to feel less lonely and make friends. However, the speaker chooses not to do that. They believe that using substances to feel better only hides their loneliness for a short time. Once the effects wear off, the loneliness is still there for both them and their friends. The speaker thinks it's better to face loneliness directly rather than hide from it with drugs or alcohol. For example, imagine someone who feels very lonely and sees their friends drinking to have fun and be social. Instead of joining them, this person decides to find other ways to cope with loneliness, like reading, hobbies, or talking to a trusted friend. They believe this is a more honest and lasting way to deal with their feelings.
