Considered to be one of the most lyrically intense German-language poets, Rainer Maria Rilke wrote a novel and several collections of poetry that highlight the difficulty of communion with the ineffable in an age of disbelief, solitude and anxiety. He is seen as a transitional figure between traditional and modernist writers whose work is often described as “mystical.”
1 I live my life in widening circles that reach out across the world. Rainer Maria Rilke
Don’t limit yourself by only focusing on one thing. Exploring the world will broaden your horizons and teach you a lot about life.
2 We need, in love, to practice only this: letting each other go, for holding on comes easily; we do not need to learn it. -Rainer Maria Rilke
Even though letting go can be tough, it is better than holding on to something that cannot be changed. It is important to learn to move on no matter how difficult it may be.
3 Perhaps everything terrible is in its deepest being something helpless that wants help from us. -Rainer Maria Rilke
If you find someone who seems to be a terrible person, try to understand that they’re probably hiding their helplessness. Be patient before jumping to conclusions about them.
4 There are no classes in life for beginners; right away you are always asked to deal with what is most difficult. -Rainer Maria Rilke
Your experiences are your greatest teachers. The only way you can learn about life is through your own good and bad experiences.
5 One had to take some action against fear when once it laid hold of one. -Rainer Maria Rilke
Don’t let your fears control you. If you think that your fears are interfering with your life, it is best to learn to overcome them.
6 This is the miracle that happens every time to those who really love; the more they give, the more they possess. -Rainer Maria Rilke
When we’re kind towards others, we don’t just give but also receive something in return. Being compassionate can bring positivity in our lives.
7 All emotions are pure which gather you and lift you up; that emotion is impure which seizes only one side of your being and so distorts you. -Rainer Maria Rilke
Emotions can either be pure or impure. Pure will lift your spirits and help you become more positive, while impure emotions will only distress you.
8 Believe that with your feelings and your work you are taking part in the greatest. -Rainer Maria Rilke
Whatever you do, just believe that you’re doing great. Being confident in yourself can motivate you to do you best.
9 I hold this to be the highest task for a bond between two people: that each protects the solitude of the other. -Rainer Maria Rilke
When you truly love someone, you respect their personal space. You understand that it is important to let them enjoy solitude.
10 There are quantities of human beings, but there are many more faces, for each person has several. -Rainer Maria Rilke
It is not unusual to find people who mask their emotions and pretend to be someone they’re not on the inside. They put up a facade in order to deceive others.
11 The only journey is the one within. -Rainer Maria Rilke
It is very important to introspect and become self aware before trying to understand others. Being true to yourself will help you realize your inner potential.
12 It is good to be solitary, for solitude is difficult; that something is difficult must be a reason the more for us to do it. -Rainer Maria Rilke
Being in solitude is good but difficult which is why it is absolutely necessary for us to do it. Learning to spend time alone can help us become more aware.
13 If your daily life seems poor, do not blame it; blame yourself that you are not poet enough to call forth its riches; for the Creator, there is no poverty. -Rainer Maria Rilke
Don’t ask for something if you’re not willing to work hard to attain it. Remember that nobody but only you can transform your life.
14 Perhaps all the dragons of our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us once beautiful and brave. -Rainer Maria Rilke
Only someone who truly cares about you will become disappointed in you for doing the wrong things. Be grateful for people who help you realize your mistakes and encourage you to follow the right path in life.
