Law

I could not resist the temptation to tell again the story Before the Law. It was all too shocking when I first read it some 20 years ago:

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A man from the country wishes to gain entry to the law court through a doorway. The doorkeeper tells the man that he cannot go through at that moment. The man asks if he can ever go through, and the doorkeeper says that that may be possible. The man waits next to the door for years, bribing the doorkeeper every now and then. The doorkeeper accepts the presents and money, but tells the man that he accepts them "so that you feel better". The man waits at the door until he is about to die. Right before his death, he asks the doorkeeper why even though many people come over the years, no one else has ever entered the court. The doorkeeper answers, "No one else could gain admittance here, because this entrance was only meant for you; I am now going to shut it."

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The story is a parable within The Trial. The meaning? Well, it depends on whether you are a final year medical student or a Christian (or atheist). For lovers of philosophy, do not jump to the conclusion and make your own interpretation; go ahead and read the discussion between Josef K and the priest (who told this parable to K).

Their conclusion really kills.