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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
medium-paced
While the writing was wonderful and makes it clear to me why so many love Rainer Maira Rilke, the message behind Rilke's words to Franz Xaver Kappus felt removed from Franz's reality. The notion that solitude is key to creativity felt very classist, removing the worldly responsibilities those of working class status face. It is not always realistic - as it was for Franz - to simply abandon life for art. There will still be bills to pay. The difference in Franz and Rilke's standing in society was clear, even in the locations Rilke wrote from (Pisa, Rome, Paris).
That aside, there were slivers of useful advice in this; asking yourself truly "must I write?" and focusing on introspection. But altogether, this was a bit underwhelming compared to the praise most people pile onto it.
That aside, there were slivers of useful advice in this; asking yourself truly "must I write?" and focusing on introspection. But altogether, this was a bit underwhelming compared to the praise most people pile onto it.
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
reflective
medium-paced
3 1/2 stars - so many morsels of goodness in here. I didn't really have any idea what I was picking up - I have just seen bits and pieces of Rilke spread about. Quick, intense read.
reflective
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
A luminous, heartfelt guide to the soul’s journey. Rilke’s words are gentle and wise, filled with compassion and timeless insights that resonate deeply with anyone on a path of self-discovery.
His reflections on solitude, love, and art read like a conversation with an old friend who understands the complexities of life’s beauty and pain.
This book feels like a quiet whisper, urging one to trust themselves, embrace vulnerability, and find purpose in the richness of their inner lives.
His reflections on solitude, love, and art read like a conversation with an old friend who understands the complexities of life’s beauty and pain.
This book feels like a quiet whisper, urging one to trust themselves, embrace vulnerability, and find purpose in the richness of their inner lives.
3.75/5
RILKE is clearly a genius, and his letters contain so much of him and his mind. i thought LETTERS TO A YOUNG POET was amazing in some places and boring in others - there is some timeless and beautiful advice in these letters, and there is also a timelessness to his prose. his musings on the nature of sadness and solitude are eternally relevant.
i’m knocking off stars because it did, unfortunately, bore me. maybe i’m not an epistemological kind of person, maybe i’m just not a RILKE person, but i did think these letters did an amazing job at capturing a great poet.
i highly recommend this book to all creatives despite the low rating - you would be floored by how much this writer saw and understood about life.
RILKE is clearly a genius, and his letters contain so much of him and his mind. i thought LETTERS TO A YOUNG POET was amazing in some places and boring in others - there is some timeless and beautiful advice in these letters, and there is also a timelessness to his prose. his musings on the nature of sadness and solitude are eternally relevant.
i’m knocking off stars because it did, unfortunately, bore me. maybe i’m not an epistemological kind of person, maybe i’m just not a RILKE person, but i did think these letters did an amazing job at capturing a great poet.
i highly recommend this book to all creatives despite the low rating - you would be floored by how much this writer saw and understood about life.